FIFA President Gianni Infantino has signaled that players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents could face red cards, particularly if the action is linked to racist or inappropriate remarks.
The issue gained attention after Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior alleged racial abuse from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League playoff match. Prestianni, who denies the claim, had covered his mouth with his jersey when speaking to Vinicius during Madrid’s 1-0 victory in the first leg. He was provisionally suspended for the second leg pending investigation.
Infantino, speaking to Sky News, emphasized:
“If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously. There must be a presumption that he has said something he shouldn’t have said, otherwise he wouldn’t have had to cover his mouth.”
The measure was discussed at a recent International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting and could be implemented in this summer’s World Cup, reflecting FIFA’s commitment to combating racism in football.
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