FIFA and The IFAB have approved major new disciplinary measures ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, introducing potential red cards for players who leave the field in protest against refereeing decisions.
The changes were unanimously approved during a Special Meeting held in Vancouver and are set to be implemented during the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The amendments come after months of consultations led by FIFA involving referees, players, coaches, federations and competition stakeholders.
Red cards for protest walk-offs
Under the newly approved rule, referees will have the authority ; subject to competition regulations to issue a red card to any player who leaves the field of play in protest at a refereeing decision.
The rule also extends to team officials who encourage or instruct players to walk off the pitch during disputes.
In addition, any team responsible for causing a match abandonment will, in principle, forfeit the match.
The measure appears designed to discourage scenes of mass protest and potential match disruptions, which have become an increasing concern in high-pressure fixtures around the world taken into the account the AFCON 2025 Final with Senegal walking off the pitch in protest
Mouth-covering rule introduced
Another significant amendment targets confrontational situations between players.
According to the new guidance, players who deliberately cover their mouths during heated exchanges with opponents may also face red-card sanctions if competition organisers choose to enforce the measure.
The rule is aimed at improving transparency and reducing behaviour considered inappropriate or discriminatory during on-field disputes.
Officials believe the move could help referees and disciplinary bodies better monitor incidents occurring during confrontations.
World Cup implementation confirmed
FIFA confirmed that the new amendments will be formally communicated to all 48 participating national teams in the coming weeks ahead of the expanded 2026 tournament.
The World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the first edition featuring 48 teams.
The decisions underline FIFA’s broader push to tighten discipline and maintain control during increasingly tense international matches.
The new regulations are expected to generate significant discussion across global football, particularly regarding how strictly referees will interpret the rules during major tournaments.
