FIFA has enacted a new rule for the upcoming World Cup, stating that players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents will be issued a red card. This decision stems from an incident involving Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, who reported racial abuse from Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League match in February. Following Júnior's complaint, which halted play for 10 minutes, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) unanimously agreed to strengthen sanctions against such behavior during a meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia. The updated rules now allow competition organizers to impose red cards for mouth-covering in confrontational situations. Additionally, UEFA has imposed a six-match ban on Prestianni for his discriminatory conduct, which is currently under appeal. FIFA's recommendations also include penalties for players who leave the pitch in protest against refereeing decisions, aiming to maintain order during matches. This move follows chaotic scenes at the Africa Cup of Nations final, where Senegal's players protested a penalty decision, leading to their title being stripped by the Confederation of African Football.