FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called for players who cover their mouths during on-pitch confrontations to be sent off if racist remarks are involved.
His comments follow allegations by Vinícius Júnior that he was racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg of a Champions League playoff between Real Madrid and Benfica. Prestianni was seen covering his mouth during the alleged incident.
UEFA has since opened an investigation into the matter. Prestianni has been suspended for the second leg of the tie and could face up to a 10-match ban if found guilty.
“If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously,” Infantino told Sky News.
“There must be a presumption that he has said something he shouldn’t have said; he wouldn’t have had to cover his mouth,” he added, while acknowledging that disciplinary cases still require proper analysis and evidence.
FIFA has also announced plans to introduce measures ahead of the 2026 World Cup to discourage players from covering their mouths during confrontations. The proposal was discussed at a meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the English FA and an IFAB member, noted that there are very few legitimate reasons for players to cover their mouths when confronting opponents.
Potential measures could be finalised in time for implementation at this summer’s World Cup, with further discussions expected at next month’s FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
Infantino also suggested that football authorities should encourage accountability and apologies from offending players.
“Maybe we should also think about not just punishing, but also somehow allowing… players or whoever does something to apologise,” he said, adding that sanctions could differ where genuine remorse is shown.
He emphasised that stronger action is necessary to reinforce football’s commitment to combating racism.
