UEFA Decides Against Red Cards for Covering Mouths During Matches

London. UEFA has decided not to issue red cards to players who cover their mouths while arguing with opponents during matches. UEFA has clarified that this rule, introduced by world football's governing body FIFA, will not be applied in major European competitions such as the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.

The issue of players covering their mouths while speaking gained significant attention last February. During a Champions League match, Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth with his jersey while speaking to Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. Following accusations of racist abuse against the Argentine player, he was initially suspended for one match. Later, UEFA's investigation found him guilty of homophobic behavior and imposed a six-match ban, of which three matches were suspended.