FIFA are bringing in controversial new disciplinary rules for the World Cup with players set to be SENT OFF if they leave the pitch in protest at a referee’s decision.
Several changes to the game’s laws are ready to be confirmed this week with JattvibeSport revealing in February that refs will also give red cards to those who cover their mouth with their shirt.
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World Cup referees will have the power to send players off in two new ways this summer Credit: Reuters
Anyone talking with their shirt over their mouth will be shown a red card Credit: Getty
And now The Times report that not only will president Gianni Infantino confirm that news on Thursday, more game-altering moves are coming.
Infantino will announce the World Cup specific changes at a congress in Vancouver, Canada – one of the three host nations.
But these moves are not said to be universally popular.
Early concerns include the impact of a player walking off after being racially abused.
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By law that would be a red card – and it all comes after Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr claimed he had been subjected to racism by Benfica‘s Gianluca Prestianni.
Vini and his team-mates reacted angrily after comments from Prestianni made following a goal celebration.
The Benfica forward spoke to Vinicius with his shirt over his mouth, leading to some Madrid players making allegations as to what was said.
Prestianni denies any racial abuse but was charged – and accepted – with making homophobic ones instead.
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It comes as Fifa attempt to stop controversy like Vinicius Jr’s racism row with Gianluca Prestianni and the Afcon final chaos Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
He has been banned for six matches.
And Infantino was keen to address the chaos at January’s Afcon final.
Senegal players left the pitch for several minutes after conceding a penalty in the final moments of their clash with hosts Morocco.
They were furious at the ref’s decision to award a spot kick – which was eventually saved – and left the field with tensions inside the stadium rising.
Morocco were later awarded the title after a CAF appeal overturned the result on the basis that Senegal should have forfeited the match when leaving the pitch.
That has also been appealed, this time by Senegal, to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
