Why is covering your mouth a red card at the World Cup? Explaining 2026 controversy that led to FIFA rule change

FIFA has introduced a new rule for the 2026 World Cup that makes covering your mouth during a match a red card offense. The regulation was implemented to prevent players from secretly communicating dissent or coordinating against referees in ways that cannot be monitored, a practice that became controversial in recent tournaments. The rule change reflects FIFA's broader effort to improve transparency and respect for match officials at the highest level of international football.