This World Cup is already seeing some wild moments thanks to a strict new rule that demands an immediate red card if players are caught covering their mouths during verbal confrontations with opponents. FIFA introduced this directive right before the tournament, and officials are enforcing it with an iron fist, sending players packing.
The "Pathetic" Move That Almost Got Kane Ejected
We almost saw one of the wildest red cards in the England vs. Argentina semi-final when Argentina’s Leandro Paredes tried to pull a fast one on Harry Kane. Shortly before halftime, Paredes complained to referee Ismail Elfath after the England captain briefly covered his mouth while talking to the official. Kane looked totally confused, and honestly, so would anyone watching. The thing is, Kane was talking to the referee, not an opponent, so it didn't fit the rule's criteria. Former England goalkeeper and BBC pundit Joe Hart didn’t hold back, calling Paredes "pathetic" for trying to get Kane sent off. It was a sketchy move, but it sure highlighted how serious this new rule is.The "Prestianni Law" Is Already Dropping Bombs
This isn't just some theoretical threat, either. This directive, dubbed the "Prestianni Law," has already resulted in two red cards this tournament. Piero Hincapié of Ecuador and Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron were both ejected for covering their mouths during confrontations. Almiron was the first, sent off during Paraguay's group match against Turkey. Paraguay did manage to win 1-0, but Almiron missed their final group game against Australia, and FIFA shut down any appeals. Then Hincapié got hit with it in second-half stoppage time during Ecuador's 2-0 loss to Mexico in the Round of 32 after an exchange with Santi Giménez. That card didn’t change the game’s outcome, but it screamed "strict enforcement" loud and clear. So, why the new rule? FIFA President Gianni Infantino championed this change to stop players from hiding abusive, discriminatory, or offensive language. This all came after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was accused of trying to hide racially charged verbal insults toward Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior in a Champions League match back in February. Vinícius claimed Prestianni covered his mouth with his jersey. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) unanimously approved the guideline, allowing tournament organizers like FIFA the discretion to implement red card penalties for this specific action. Get a red card, and you're not just ejected; you're suspended for the next game, leaving your team playing with ten players. That's a massive disadvantage. This rule is no joke, and it means every player needs to be super careful with what they do on the pitch, especially when things get heated. We’re only early in the tournament, but with this "Prestianni Law" in effect, who knows which crucial game will be impacted next by a covered mouth?This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.