FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) have approved sweeping new disciplinary measures ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including provisions that allow referees to issue red cards to players who leave the field in protest against officiating decisions.

The new rules were unanimously approved during a Special Meeting held in Vancouver and will come into effect during the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Stricter Sanctions for Protest Walk-Offs

Under the updated regulations, referees will have the authority, subject to competition rules, to show a red card to any player who deliberately leaves the pitch in protest over a refereeing decision.

The rule also applies to team officials who are found to have encouraged or instructed players to abandon play during disputes.

In addition, FIFA has stated that any team responsible for causing a match abandonment will, in principle, forfeit the match.

The move is widely seen as a response to growing concerns over match disruptions and coordinated protests in high-stakes games.

Preventing Disruption and On-Field Confrontations

Another major amendment targets player conduct during confrontations. Players who deliberately cover their mouths while engaging in heated exchanges with opponents may also face red-card sanctions, depending on how competition organisers choose to apply the rule.

The measure is intended to improve transparency on the field and assist referees and disciplinary bodies in monitoring potential misconduct or inappropriate communication during matches.

Context Behind the Decision

FIFA said the changes follow months of consultations with referees, players, coaches, and football federations as part of efforts to strengthen discipline in the game.

The governing body pointed to increasing tensions in modern football and the need to preserve the integrity and continuity of matches at the highest level.

World Cup Rollout Confirmed

FIFA will formally communicate the new rules to all 48 participating national teams in the coming weeks ahead of the expanded 2026 World Cup.

The tournament will be the first to feature 48 teams and is expected to be closely watched for how strictly referees enforce the new disciplinary measures.