UEFA has confirmed it will not adopt FIFA's new rule that mandates red cards for players covering their mouths during confrontations. European football's governing body said referees will assess each incident on its own merits. The decision applies to its club competitions including the Champions League.
UEFA announced the policy on Thursday. It will allow officials to decide whether a yellow card is appropriate if the action is seen as an attempt to conceal communication as unsporting behaviour.
The change stems from an IFAB decision in April, proposed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino. It followed a February incident involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior.
Two players have already been dismissed under the rule at the World Cup. Paraguay's Miguel Almiron and Ecuador's Piero Hincapie received red cards after VAR reviews.
UEFA stated that its stance does not affect any separate disciplinary actions that may arise from such behaviour.
