The International Football Association Board held a special meeting in Vancouver, where it unanimously approved two rule amendment proposals submitted by FIFA. The new regulations mainly target discriminatory behavior and improper protest actions, and the relevant details will be communicated to the 48 participating teams of the 2026 World Cup in the coming weeks.

In line with the consensus reached at the IFAB Annual General Meeting in February this year, the two decisions were made following extensive consultations led by FIFA with key stakeholders. One amendment concerns players covering their mouths during confrontations with opponents. Under the new rule, subject to the discretion of competition organizers, any player who covers their mouth during a confrontational situation may be shown a red card.

The second amendment addresses players leaving the field of play in protest against refereeing decisions. According to the new rule, and again subject to the discretion of competition organizers, referees may issue a red card to any player who leaves the field in protest. This rule also applies to any team official who incites players to leave the field. Furthermore, if a team causes a match to be abandoned, it will generally be deemed to have forfeited the match. The amendments will be formally communicated to all 48 teams participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the coming weeks.

Gianni Infantino stated on social media: “At the IFAB special meeting held in Vancouver, Canada, several important decisions were made to safeguard the integrity of the game and ensure that mutual respect remains a fundamental principle at all levels of football. All parties agreed that, subject to the decision of competition organizers, any player covering their mouth during a confrontation with an opponent may be sent off. Additionally, referees may issue a red card to any player who leaves the field in protest of a decision. This rule also applies to team officials who incite such actions.

I would like to thank all stakeholders for their time, valuable input, and for reaching consensus on these important matters. These amendments were developed through a consultation process led by FIFA. The new rules will be implemented at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Other competition organizers may also choose to adopt these changes in advance before they officially come into effect on July 1, 2026.”