
IFAB targets mouth-covering talks to curb on-field abuse
IFAB announced it will consider punishing players who cover their mouths while speaking to opponents ahead of the World Cup, after Vinicius Junior accused Gianluca Prestianni of racist abuse and allegedly spoke behind his shirt; Thibaut Courtois welcomed the idea as a potential solution, though officials warn enforcing it will be tough during fast-paced play, and lip-reading has long been used in investigations, underscoring how players shield private conversations in a highly scrutinized sport.











