An unexpected twist has shaken the world of European football: UEFA has officially rejected the controversial 'Prestianni Rule', a decision that promises to ignite debates and divide opinions among fans, players, and experts. After the regulation was applied with dramatic consequences during the 2026 World Cup, the governing body of European football chose not to follow FIFA's example, rejecting the automatic expulsion for players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents.
The issue gained prominence after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved, in April, an unprecedented measure to combat discriminatory language on the field. In practice, any player caught covering their mouth during a hostile discussion would be immediately sent off, a scene that has already occurred twice in the 2026 World Cup. FIFA justified the new rule as a way to ensure that racist, homophobic, or other forms of offensive language do not go unnoticed by cameras and referees, thereby protecting the integrity of competitions. However, UEFA was unconvinced and decided that, in its competitions – including the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, European Championship, and Nations League – the gesture will be punished with a yellow card, deemed unsporting behavior, but not grounds for immediate expulsion.
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UEFA justifies decision on player conduct
UEFA justified this decision in an official communication, emphasizing: “This approach does not prejudice disciplinary investigations or processes that may arise as a consequence, or in connection, with such behavior.” In other words, the European body reserves the right to investigate and impose harsher penalties if there is clear evidence of discriminatory language, but it refuses to apply an automatic sanction whenever a player covers their mouth in the context of confrontation.
The issue has become particularly sensitive following the explosive incident that led to the rule: a confrontation between Gianluca Prestianni, a winger for Benfica, and Vinicius Junior, a star for Real Madrid, during a European match. Vinicius accused Prestianni of racist insults, while the Benfica player claimed he had uttered a homophobic slur. As both players covered their mouths during the heated exchange, there was no conclusive evidence. The scandal prompted FIFA to take a hardline approach, but the test during the World Cup did not convince UEFA of its effectiveness.
At the 2026 World Cup, the strict enforcement of the 'Prestianni Rule' has already resulted in two high-profile expulsions. Miguel Almirón, a forward for Paraguay, was the first to receive a red card following a disagreement with Mert Müldür in Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey. Shortly thereafter, Piero Hincapié, a defender for Ecuador, was also sent off for covering his mouth while arguing with Santiago Giménez during the 2-0 defeat to Mexico. Both players served a one-match suspension, but FIFA made it clear that the Disciplinary Committee could impose harsher penalties depending on the severity of the incidents.
However, the controversy intensified when Jude Bellingham, the English midfielder, was caught on camera covering his mouth while talking to Jordan Ayew, the Ghanaian forward, in a goalless match. Unlike previous cases, Bellingham was not sent off, leading to confusion and accusations of double standards. Pierluigi Collina, the head of FIFA referees, explained before the tournament: “Players can continue to cover their mouths with their arms or shirts to talk to friends. It is normal to talk before, during, or after the game. If the conversation is friendly, there is no problem. When it is a hostile confrontation, covering the mouth may mean that something very wrong is happening, and the sanction is a red card.”
This margin of interpretation for referees, combined with the risk of presuming guilt for those who cover their mouths in tense situations, led UEFA to backtrack. European officials believe that the gesture alone cannot be sufficient evidence for a dismissal, for fear of committing serious injustices and distorting the spirit of the game. Furthermore, many point to the possibility that controversial decisions could irreversibly affect decisive matches, something that UEFA aims to avoid in its top competitions.
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From now on, referees in European competitions are expected to adopt a more measured approach, applying the yellow card as a warning, while leaving deeper investigations to disciplinary bodies. The debate on the best way to combat racism and insults on the field is far from over, but this UEFA decision could create shockwaves in the relationship with FIFA and pose new challenges in harmonizing international rules. European football has thus entered a new phase, in which the balance between justice, discipline, and spectacle remains the greatest challenge for those in charge of the sport.
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