Major changes are expected in world football. FIFA plans to introduce new disciplinary rules at the 2026 World Cup. These changes are aimed at more strictly regulating the behavior of players on the field.
According to The Times, players who cover their mouths with their hands or jerseys during a conflict may now be punished with a direct red card. This rule is specifically aimed at attempts to hide insults or illegal communication.
At the same time, players who leave the field in a demonstrative manner to protest a referee's decision will also be immediately dismissed. In other words, such actions will now lead to serious disciplinary sanctions.
It is reported that Gianni Infantino is expected to officially announce these initiatives at the FIFA Congress to be held in Vancouver, Canada, on April 30.
For now, these rules are planned to be in effect only within the framework of the 2026 World Cup. However, some experts and tournament organizers are expressing concern that these innovations could lead to unexpected situations. For example, a player could be punished even if they leave the field after facing racism or other insults.
Similar situations have been observed before. In particular, Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was disqualified for 6 matches for using insulting words against Real Madrid player Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match. It was also noted that he covered his mouth with his jersey during the conflict.
As another example, the Senegal national team left the field at the Africa Cup of Nations in protest of a referee's decision and subsequently suffered a 0-3 technical defeat. Later, an appeal was filed with CAS regarding this decision.
In short, FIFA aims to strengthen discipline and fairness in football through the new rules. However, only time will tell what results these changes will bring. One thing is clear — the 2026 World Cup could be even more strict and full of controversy.
