India, July 3 -- The newly introduced red card rule for players covering their mouth will not be applied in the UEFA competitions, the European football governing body announced. Also known as the "Prestianni Law," the regulation came into force after a controversial incident involving Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League tie back in February. As Vinicius accused Prestianni of hurling racist remarks, it was decided that if any player were found covering their mouth in FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, they would be shown a straight red.

Two players have already faced the consequences. Paraguay's Miguel Almiron was the first to be shown a straight red for breaching the rule during a match a...