UEFA decides against red cards for players covering mouths
ESPN Soccer • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 8:34 PM
Last updated Jul 2, 2026
UEFA has confirmed it will not issue red cards for players covering their mouths during confrontations at its competitions. However, players could still face disciplinary action for this behavior. Instead of a red card, UEFA stated that yellow cards should be given for 'attempting to conceal communication as an act of unsporting behaviour.' The decision follows incidents at the current World Cup where players have been sent off for similar actions, supported by FIFA president Gianni Infantino's push for stringent measures after a related incident earlier this year.
- •UEFA informs member federations of new disciplinary approach.
- •Players covering mouths may receive yellow cards instead.
- •Current World Cup has seen red cards issued for this behavior.
- •FIFA president supports strong deterrents against unsporting conduct.
- 11:00 PMESPN Soccer — No reds for mouth covering in Champions League
- 8:34 PMYahoo Sports — Reports: No red cards for covering mouth in UEFA events
"UEFA will not introduce red cards for players who cover their mouth in a confrontation with an opponent at its competitions but offenders could face disciplinary proceedings on such incidents, multiple news reports said on Thursday. Reports from media including the BBC and The Athletic said that Europe's governing body informed its member federations of this on Thursday.
"Players will not be sent off for covering their mouths when speaking to an opponent in UEFA competitions, the governing body confirmed.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerJul 2, 2026, 11:00 PMNo reds for mouth covering in Champions League
Players will not be sent off for covering their mouths when speaking to an opponent in UEFA competitions, the governing body confirmed.
- Yahoo SportsJul 2, 2026, 8:34 PMReports: No red cards for covering mouth in UEFA events
UEFA will not introduce red cards for players who cover their mouth in a confrontation with an opponent at its competitions but offenders could face disciplinary proceedings on such incidents, multiple news reports said on Thursday. Reports from media including the BBC and The Athletic said that Europe's governing body informed its member federations of this on Thursday.
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