FIFA President Infantino Proposes Sanctions For Players Covering Mouths Amid Racism Concerns

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed that players who cover their mouths while speaking on the pitch could face dismissal if their comments lead to allegations of racist abuse.

The suggestion follows claims against Gianluca Prestianni during a recent Champions League clash between Benfica and Real Madrid, in which he was accused of racially abusing Vinicius Junior while apparently covering his mouth with his shirt. Prestianni has denied the allegations.

Speaking to Sky News after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting on Saturday, Infantino said:

“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. If you don’t have something to hide, you don’t hide your mouth when you say something. That’s it. As simple as that. And these are actions that we can take and we have to take in order to be serious about our fight against racism.”

Infantino added that sanctions could be adjusted if a player offers a public apology, emphasizing the role of cultural change alongside disciplinary measures.

The next FIFA Congress, scheduled for next month in Vancouver, may consider formal rules on players covering their mouths, particularly ahead of this year’s World Cup.

Prestianni has been provisionally suspended for the return leg of the fixture while UEFA continues its investigation. If found guilty, he could face a 10-match ban.