UEFA abandons planned red-card rule for hand held over mouth

In other words: not every reach for the mouth automatically leads to a yellow or red card. Referees must decide in each individual case whether the gesture was part of the flow of play or whether a player was deliberately trying to hide an insult, slur or similar.

Incidents at the World Cup

The background to the debate was the incident involving Benfica Lisbon player Gianluca Prestianni, who had attracted attention in the Champions League. His behaviour had raised the question of how referees should handle gestures in the future with which players might cover their mouths in order to disguise what they are saying.

There had already been initial cases at the ongoing World Cup. One of them affected Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié in the round of 16 against Mexico, which Ecuador lost 0-2. Hincapié was shown the red card following such a gesture.

The first player to receive a red card in such an incident at a World Cup was Paraguay's Miguel Almirón. He was sent off in the group match against Turkey (1-0) after holding his hand in front of his mouth. Almirón's ban had prompted international debate.

Criticism and reactions

UEFA emphasises that the referees have been given clear guidance. The range runs from taking no action to a red card, depending on how the scene is to be categorised. External circumstances, the phase of play and the visibility of the gesture are also said to play a role.

With its line, UEFA is responding to criticism from clubs, players and referee associations. Many observers had argued that a blanket red card was too harsh, as many players move their hand to their mouth purely instinctively or out of habit, without intending to hide anything.

A UEFA spokesperson made clear: "Wenn sie es wissen – wenn es für alle eindeutig ist –, dann erwarten wir von den Spielern, dass sie so etwas nicht tun." The association is continuing to rely on clear communication and raising awareness in dealing with potentially unsporting gestures.

For the upcoming matches this means: referees are to look more closely, but not reflexively pull out the red card. The interpretation of the rule therefore remains one of the most difficult tasks for the match officials at this tournament.

Overall, the decision shows that the football association is seeking a middle path between consistent crackdowns and pragmatic match officiating – and does not want to invite the accusation of causing a stir with a disproportionate sanction.