[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, UEFA has instructed its video assistant referees not to use monitors to review incidents of simulation in the same way as seen at the World Cup. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced rule amendments, bringing diving under VAR review starting from competitions this summer. Under the new rules, VAR can assist in overturning yellow or red card sanctions if the referee identifies the wrong player as the offender. With European club competitions set to resume, UEFA has clarified its stance: VAR should only be deployed for the specific scenario of misidentifying players outlined in the new regulations. UEFA classifies player misidentification as a factual matter that does not warrant VAR intervention. That said, VAR may step in to correct an erroneous second yellow card, meaning any player adjudged to have dived could still face disciplinary punishment. UEFA confirmed it will continue monitoring incorrect corner kick decisions, yet only to verify who made the final touch — unlike the World Cup, where VAR also examined potential offside infringements linked to such plays. Additionally, UEFA has ruled out issuing red cards to players covering their mouths during heated confrontations with opponents.
Miguel Almiron and Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié were both sent off at the World Cup under this newly introduced rule. The regulation is designed to stop players covering their mouths to hide abusive, discriminatory or offensive language on the pitch. The underlying logic is simple: if you have nothing to hide, you will not cover your mouth while speaking.