UEFA stands firm on red cards after mouth-covering dissent
UEFA rejects softening the rule after two World Cup players were dismissed for covering mouths during play. FIFA’s zero-tolerance stance on perceived disrespect faces fresh scrutiny.
UEFA has rejected calls to soften the red card rule after two players were sent off at the 2022 FIFA World Cup for covering their mouths while speaking to opponents. The dismissals, handed down under FIFA’s zero-tolerance policy on dissent, have reignited debate over whether mouth-covering should automatically trigger a red card. The decision underscores a widening gap between UEFA’s enforcement and public pressure to relax the rule.
