FIFA greenlights new rules ahead of 2026 World Cup after Senegal-Morocco controversy

Football’s lawmakers have introduced significant changes to the game following recent high-profile incidents, with new regulations set to debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The International Football Association Board approved a series of amendments on Tuesday, targeting misconduct and unsporting behaviour.

These decisions come in response to controversies such as the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, as well as incidents involving Vinícius Júnior.

According to FIFA, its Council met in Vancouver, Canada, where it unanimously endorsed two key proposals aimed at curbing inappropriate conduct on the pitch.

One of the standout changes introduces what has been informally dubbed the “Vinicius Rule.” The regulation targets players who cover their mouths during confrontations, a gesture often associated with attempts to conceal abusive language.

The decision states, “At the discretion of the competition organiser, the referee may show a red card to any player who covers his mouth during an altercation with an opponent who subsequently claims to have been abused.”

The move follows growing concerns over verbal abuse in football, with the governing bodies seeking stronger tools to address such behaviour.

Another major amendment focuses on players abandoning the field in protest. The rule stems from the chaotic AFCON final, where Senegal’s players briefly walked off after a controversial penalty decision in favour of Morocco. Although Senegal returned to finish the match and initially won 1-0, the Confederation of African Football later sanctioned them and awarded the title to Morocco’s Atlas Lions.

Under the newly approved law, referees are now empowered to take stricter action.

The text reads, “At the discretion of the competition organiser, the referee may punish any player who leaves the field in protest against a refereeing decision by showing him a red card. This new rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play, and the team that causes the match to be cancelled is considered, in principle, the loser.”

FIFA confirmed that all 48 teams set to participate in the expanded 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be formally briefed on the updated regulations in the coming weeks.