Footballers covering their mouths during a confrontation with an opponent or any other player on the pitch will be given a red card under a new rule approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
The board held a special meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday to pass FIFA-approved amendments to address inappropriate behaviour ahead of the World Cup in North America.
“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,” IFAB said.
