In a bold push to strengthen football's ongoing battle against racism, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed a strict new rule. Players who cover their mouths during heated on-pitch confrontations should face an automatic red card, based on the presumption that they are uttering offensive or abusive language.
FIFA proposes red card rule for players covering mouth in on-pitch confrontations amid Vinicius-Prestianni controversy
Speaking to Sky News following allegations that Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni racially abused Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, while shielding his words with his hand, Infantino emphasized that hiding one's mouth signals intent to conceal wrongdoing. He stated:
"If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously."
The suggestion, discussed at the recent International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting, aims to introduce tougher, immediate sanctions ahead of the 2026 World Cup, signaling FIFA's determination to eradicate discriminatory behavior from the sport through decisive, presumption-based enforcement.
The Benfica winger was ruled out of the team’s second leg against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League following the ongoing investigation into the player. The Los Blancos went on to eliminate Jose Mourinho’s side, all thanks to goals from Vinicius Jr and Aurelien Tchouameni.
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