The International Football Association Board (IFAB), at the request of FIFA, has approved fundamental amendments to the Laws of the Game, paving the way for their implementation starting with the 2026 World Cup finals, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
These amendments aim to combat unsportsmanlike conduct and ensure that matches proceed fairly and with sportsmanship.
Among the most prominent of these amendments, FIFA has approved a direct red card for any player who covers their mouth while speaking to opponents or referees, based on the discretion of the organizing body.
FIFA also approved the expulsion of any player who leaves the field of play in protest of a referee’s decisions, and any official who incites players to this behavior.
The amendments also include, in principle, considering the team responsible for stopping a match as losing it.
These decisions come after the controversial events witnessed in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, in addition to the dispute between Vinicius Jr. and Gianluca Prestianni in the Real Madrid and Benfica Champions League match last February.
