By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African Football Association (SAFA) have confirmed a new rule will be implemented at the beginning of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) 2025/2026 season to prevent players from obscuring their mouths during confrontations with their opponents.
The new rule was adopted during the International Football Association Board (IFAB) special meeting held at FIFA congress in Canada last month.
The referees are now given authority to issue red cards in such situations depending on competition rules.
Clubs and players have been warned that these actions could lead to severe sanctions, including possible forfeits if matches are abandoned in protest.
FIFA proposed the change following a dispute between Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni in February that caused international scrutiny.
The dispute sparked international headlines and condemnation across the soccer world. Many felt that leagues should impose rules against players trying to obscure what they say in arguments.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino supported the idea that a player should be sent off the field in such cases if there is a question of racist abuse. He added in an interview with Sky News that he didn’t understand why someone would try to hide.
He told Sky that FIFA was proposing a change to the rules about the matter for rules board’s meeting this month.
SAFA also confirmed new club licensing regulations that will come into effect at the beginning of the 2025/2026 season.
A head coach at a PSL club must have a CAF A license, and an assistant coach must have a CAF B license, and the same thing applies in the NFD.
Meanwhile the Mafikeng High Court struck from the roll the application by four members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) that were suspended on 28 March 2026.
Emma Hendricks, Gladwyn White, Orapeleng Setlhare and Monde Montshiwa have been suspended and remain suspended pending imminent SAFA disciplinary processes.
Acting Judge Matlhape struck the application from the roll for a lack of urgency.
SAFA welcomed the ruling and said it remains committed to transparency and accountability in all financial matters and will continue to provide clarity where necessary regarding the administration of its programmes.