FIFA's new 'Prestianni Law': Why players are seeing red for covering their mouths

World Cup players have been put on notice over one of the tournament's newest disciplinary measures, with FIFA strictly enforcing a rule that allows referees to issue an immediate red card to players who cover their mouths while verbally confronting an opponent.

The regulation, introduced ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, aims to prevent players from concealing abusive, discriminatory or offensive language during on-field altercations.

The latest player to fall foul of the rule was Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié, who was sent off deep into stoppage time during his side's 2-0 Round of 32 defeat to Mexico after an exchange with striker Santiago Giménez. Although the dismissal had no bearing on the result, it once again highlighted FIFA's determination to crack down on hidden verbal abuse.

Nicknamed the "Prestianni Law," the rule was introduced following a high-profile controversy involving Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior earlier this year. During a UEFA Champions League match, Prestianni appeared to cover his mouth while allegedly directing verbal insults at Vinícius, prompting widespread calls for stronger action.

In response, FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposed a rule change that was later unanimously approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), football's law-making body comprising FIFA and the four British football associations.

Under the new regulation, tournament organisers such as FIFA can choose to apply the sanction, although it has not been made a mandatory part of the Laws of the Game.

The World Cup's first dismissal under the rule came during the group stage when Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón received a straight red card for covering his mouth during a confrontation with Turkey defender Mert Müldür. Paraguay still won the match 1-0, but Almirón was suspended for the following group fixture, with FIFA confirming the punishment could not be appealed.

A player shown a red card is immediately sent off, forcing his team to play the remainder of the match with 10 men. The player must also serve a one-match suspension before becoming eligible to return.

FIFA hopes the measure will increase transparency during confrontations and help officials identify abusive, discriminatory and offensive language that players might otherwise attempt to conceal.