The FIFA mouth covering rule is still having an impact on the disciplinary decisions taken at the FIFA World Cup, as Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie was the second player to be sent off under the new rule.
It was in the 95th minute of Ecuador’s Round of 32 loss to Mexico national football team at Estadio Azteca. The straight red card was given to Hincapie after a clash with Santiago Gimenez, Mexico’s top forward, in which he obstructed him from covering his mouth when he was in conflict with the referees.
The rule was introduced by FIFA ahead of the tournament as part of a robust governance structure to enhance transparency and reduce abusive or hidden communication between players. Clutching the mouth during confrontations is seen as concealing offensive or inappropriate comments from referees and television cameras, and severe penalties are issued.
As an enforcement measure, the rule represents a move towards behavioural compliance and transparency in elite football. The non-tolerance policy that is being used during this competition is evident in Hincapie’s demotion.
The Ecuador defender’s red card comes after Miguel Almiron was the first player to be sent off for a foul under the same rule in a group stage game against the Turkey national football team on June 20.
The enforcement of the FIFA mouth covering rule will influence player behavior as the tournament progresses and should be expected to change with the different disciplinary rules and standards that will be adopted as the game unfolds in higher pressure situations.
