IFAB introduces red card rule for players who walk off in protest

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced a strict new rule allowing referees to send off players who leave the field of play in protest at decisions.

The amendment was approved unanimously at a special meeting in Vancouver following proposals from FIFA aimed at strengthening the authority of match officials.

Under the new regulation, referees will have the discretion to issue a red card to any player who walks off the pitch in disagreement with a decision. The rule also applies to team officials, who can be sanctioned if they encourage players to abandon the field.

Football’s lawmakers say the measure is designed to address growing incidents of dissent and mass protests that have disrupted matches in recent years. One notable example came during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final, when Senegal players briefly left the pitch in protest over a refereeing decision.

In addition, any team responsible for causing a match to be abandoned will, in principle, forfeit the game, a move intended to act as a strong deterrent.

The decision builds on earlier discussions and forms part of wider efforts to improve discipline and respect within the game.

The new rule is expected to be communicated to all teams ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.