FIFA’s controversial new regulation, informally dubbed the Prestianni Law, has been enforced for the first time at the 2026 World Cup, with Miguel Almirón shown a straight red card for covering his mouth during an on-field confrontation.
Under the new rule, referees can dismiss a player who deliberately covers their mouth while confronting an opponent, on the assumption that the gesture is intended to conceal discriminatory or abusive language from cameras and lip-readers.
The regulation stems from a UEFA Champions League match in February 2026 involving S.L. Benfica and Real Madrid CF. During the match, Argentine forward Gianluca Prestianni was accused of directing homophobic abuse at Vinícius Júnior while covering his mouth. UEFA later imposed a six-match suspension, with three matches suspended.
FIFA and the International Football Association Board formally approved the rule in April 2026. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the measure, arguing that deliberately covering the mouth during a confrontation should itself constitute a punishable offence, without requiring officials to prove what was said.