Red cards can be given to players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents

Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni fights for the ball against Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during a Champions League playoff soccer match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Pedro Rocha/AP hide caption toggle caption Pedro Rocha/AP VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The International Football Association Board approved a new rule that would penalize players with a red card if they cover their mouths when verbally confronting another player. …