Major soccer governing body nixing FIFA's mouth-covering red card mandate for future games

1994 USA World Cup player John Harkes, who was suspended himself for yellow card violations, wants to see FIFA change its red card rules after Folarin Balogun's suspension.

FIFA introduced a wild rule for this year's World Cup in which players could receive red cards for covering their mouths while speaking; however, one of soccer's largest governing bodies will not be following suit.

FIFA established the new rule to prevent players from hiding abusive, discriminatory or offensive language while on the field.

But the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced Thursday that players will not be sent off the field for the infraction during Champions League, Europa League and Conference League matches next season.

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Miguel Almiron of Paraguay reacts after receiving a red card for covering his mouth while talking to another player during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and Paraguay in Santa Clara, California, on June 19, 2026. (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

UEFA did say, however, that players could receive a yellow card if they are "attempting to conceal communication as an act of unsporting behaviour."

"This is obviously without prejudice to any disciplinary investigation or proceedings that may follow as a consequence of or in connection with such behaviour," a statement said.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino pushed for changes after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni tried to hide verbal insults toward Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior in a Champions League match. Soccer’s rulemaking panel, the International Football Association Board, agreed that players can be penalized with a red card if they cover their mouths when verbally