FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) have officially approved a new rule nicknamed the “Prestianni Law”. Starting at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, players who cover their mouth while speaking to an opponent during a confrontation can be shown a straight red card.
This change aims to tackle a long-standing issue in football: players hiding abusive or discriminatory language behind their hands.
What Exactly is the Prestianni Law?
The rule states:
“At the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card.”
It is not a blanket ban on covering your mouth in every situation (like tactical instructions or celebrations). The key triggers are:
- Confrontational situation with an opponent
- Deliberately covering the mouth while speaking
Referees will have the power to issue an immediate red card if they believe the action is intended to conceal inappropriate comments. This applies specifically at the 2026 World Cup (as a competition opt-in approved by IFAB).
Why is it Called the “Prestianni Law”?
The name comes from an incident involving Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica) and Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) during a UEFA Champions League match in February 2026.
Vinícius alleged that Prestianni directed discriminatory (specifically homophobic) abuse at him while covering his mouth. Prestianni was later handed a six-match ban by UEFA for anti-gay conduct. The case highlighted how difficult it is to prove verbal abuse when players hide their mouths from cameras and microphones.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had publicly stated that such behaviour, especially with racist or discriminatory consequences, should result in a sending-off. The FIFA Players’ Voice Panel (a group of former players advising on anti-racism measures) also pushed for stronger action to close this loophole.