Players will get red cards for covering their mouths in disputes, officials say ahead of FIFA World Cup

A new rule is being implemented ahead of the FIFA World Cup to prevent players from obscuring their mouths during confrontations with their opponents following a controversial argument during a UEFA Champions League game in February.

A new rule is being implemented ahead of the FIFA World Cup to prevent players from obscuring their mouths during confrontations with their opponents following a controversial argument during a UEFA Champions League game in February.

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Players who cover their mouths will be issued red cards, the International Football Association Board unanimously agreed at a special meeting Tuesday in Canada. Red cards would also be given to players who leave the field because of issues with referees' rulings, the board said in a second rule change.

FIFA proposed the change following a dispute between Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni in February that caused international scrutiny.