# Soccer body rejects FIFA's red card rule for covering mouths

A major soccer governing body has scrapped FIFA's mandate that would have penalized players with a red card for covering their mouths during matches. The decision reverses a controversial rule aimed at preventing unauthorized messages on the field. This change allows players more freedom in their gestures without fear of immediate ejection.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### Sports
- [Fox News Sports](https://www.foxnews.com/sports/major-soccer-governing-body-nixing-fifas-mouth-covering-red-card-mandate-future-games) — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:32:09 -0400