Revolution from FIFA: Mouth covering brings a red card
Referee errors will decrease with the new rule and VAR expansion required by IFAB as of July 1. It will be valid in all leagues and the 2026 World Cup.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced the "mouth covering rule", which will become mandatory in all official competitions as of July 1. If players cover their opponent's mouth while communicating in a sarcastic, belittling or provocative manner, this will result in a red card. With the rule change, there are also expansions in the VAR protocol.
