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Players who cover their mouths in confrontations with opponents will not be shown red cards in Uefa competitions, it was confirmed on Thursday.<\/b><\/p>\n
European football’s governing body will not take up the option to use the law in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.<\/p>\n
The issue of players covering their mouths became high profile in February when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni raised his shirt while speaking to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr during a Champions League game.<\/p>\n
The Argentina international was accused of racist abuse and provisionally banned for one match. Following a Uefa investigation, Prestianni was found guilty of homophobic conduct<\/a> and banned for six matches – three of which were suspended. <\/p>\n The law change for a red card was the brainchild of Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who wanted something which would have “a deterrent effect”<\/a> at the World Cup.<\/p>\n It was approved by the International Football Association Board (Ifab)<\/a> in April.<\/p>\n Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron was the first player to be sent off<\/a> in his side’s World Cup group game against Turkey. Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie then saw red<\/a> in Ecuador’s last-16 exit to co-hosts Mexico.<\/p>\n Both players were dismissed following a video assistant referee (VAR) review. <\/p>\n Despite the Prestianni incident happening in its own flagship competition, Uefa has decided against using Infantino’s opt-in.<\/p>\n Uefa said referees should asses situations individually and consider whether a yellow card should be shown if it is “an attempt to conceal communication as an act of unsporting behaviour”. <\/p>\n It added: “This is obviously without prejudice to any disciplinary investigation or proceedings that may follow as a consequence of, or in connection with, such behaviour.”<\/p>\n The law change has been controversial as it presents the presumption of guilt rather than innocence. <\/p>\n There have been concerns it could be used to get an opponent sent off when nothing abusive has been said. <\/p>\n It has also caused confusion, with England’s Jude Bellingham not sent off when covering his mouth<\/a> in conversation with Ghana’s Jordan Ayew in their group game.<\/p>\n Uefa, though, will exercise the option of the VAR checking incorrect corners, with 22 reversed to a goal-kick so far at the World Cup.<\/p>\n But it will not issue red cards to players who leave the field in protest at a referee’s decision – another law brought in at the discretion of a competition organiser.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n