This archive report was first published on 4 August 2020.
On August 4, 2020, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and England's Football Association issued a warning to footballers about deliberate coughing.
According to IFAB, referees have the discretion to judge whether a cough is an abusive gesture, similar to using offensive language or gestures.
IFAB classified deliberate coughing as an offence, stating that referees must make a judgement about the true nature of the incident.
Referees will not take action if the cough is clearly accidental or occurs at a distance between players.
However, if the cough is close enough to be considered offensive, referees can take action, including issuing a red card or a caution for 'unsporting behaviour'.
The FA's guidance for grassroots football in England came into effect immediately, emphasizing that referees must not punish routine coughing and only take action when it is evident that the cough was a clear act against someone else.
