Refs should send players covering mouth to speak – FIFA President

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

The proposal comes in the wake of accusations against Gianluca Prestianni during a recent Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid. Prestianni was alleged to have racially abused Vinicius Junior while appearing to cover his mouth with his  shirt, a claim he denies.

Speaking to Sky News after Saturday’s International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting, Infantino emphasized a strict approach.

“If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously,” Infantino said. “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 also suggested that sanctions could vary depending on whether the offender offers a public apology, noting the importance of cultural change alongside disciplinary measures.

The next FIFA Congress, scheduled for next month in Vancouver, could see formal rules introduced regarding players covering their mouths, particularly in the context of this year’s World Cup.

Prestianni has been provisionally suspended for the return leg of the tie while UEFA investigates the matter. If found guilty, he could face a ban of up to 10 matches.