Dakar, Senegal — FIFA President Gianni Infantino has outlined a new set of disciplinary measures, emphasizing the importance of respect and discipline in football. At the FIFA Congress, Infantino announced that players who leave the field without the referee’s permission will now face a red card, a rule officially approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) earlier this week.
The new regulation specifically targets players who walk off the pitch to protest a referee’s decision, as well as team officials, including coaches, who encourage such actions. Infantino also highlighted that players covering their mouths while speaking to opponents will be penalized, ensuring clear communication on the field. These measures follow the controversy at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco, where the Senegalese national team coach instructed his players to walk off the pitch in protest.
The incident is still awaiting a final verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with African football’s governing body having stripped Senegal of the AFCON title.
In addition to the red card for unauthorized exits, the new rules include yellow card resets to prevent semi — final suspensions and a crackdown on time-wasting tactics. These changes are set to be implemented starting with the 2026 World Cup, reflecting FIFA’s commitment to professional behavior and efficient match management.
The introduction of these stricter rules underscores FIFA’s ongoing efforts to address issues such as time-wasting, player protests, and the concealment of offensive behavior. While the credibility of these measures is bolstered by the involvement of FIFA and IFAB, there are concerns about the potential impact on the competitive spirit and freedom of expression within the sport.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: moroccoworldnews
Source: Yassir Mazzene
