sports
Uefa declines to adopt Fifa rule on mouth-covering during matches
Uefa will not apply automatic red cards for players covering their mouths in its three main club competitions. Match officials will instead assess each case individually. The decision follows a February incident that drew attention to the issue.
espn.co.ukAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Uefa said it will not follow Fifa's policy of sending off players who cover their mouths during confrontations in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. Match officials will evaluate incidents on a case-by-case basis rather than apply a mandatory sending-off rule.
Referees may still issue a yellow card if they determine the action amounts to an attempt to conceal communication as unsporting behaviour.
Background to the decision The question gained attention after an incident in a Champions League match in February. One player lifted his shirt to cover his face while speaking to an opposing forward. Uefa conducted its own investigation and issued a six-match ban, with three matches suspended, after concluding the conduct was homophobic.
The player had initially faced separate accusations that were not upheld.
Uefa position Fifa president Gianni Infantino introduced the automatic red-card measure to deter such behaviour at the World Cup. The International Football Association Board approved the change in April, and it has already been applied during the current tournament.
Uefa stated its approach does not prevent later disciplinary proceedings connected to the same incidents. The governing body also confirmed it will continue to use VAR to review incorrect corner decisions but will not introduce automatic red cards for players who leave the pitch to protest referee calls.
