Gianni Infantino has suggested that footballers who cover their mouths while speaking to opponents could face dismissal, as world football authorities intensify efforts to combat racism in the game.
Infantino’s remarks come amid racism allegations involving Gianluca Prestianni, who was accused of racially abusing Vinicius Junior during a UEFA Champions League match last month. The alleged incident occurred while the Benfica winger covered his mouth with his shirt, a gesture that has drawn increased scrutiny.
The issue was formally discussed at Saturday’s meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for the Laws of the Game.
“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, otherwise he wouldn’t have had to cover his mouth.”
Infantino argued that such gestures undermine transparency on the pitch and complicate investigations into alleged abuse.
“I simply do not understand if you don’t have something to hide, you don’t hide your mouth when you say something,” he added.
“These are actions that we can take and we have to take in order to be serious about our fight against racism.”
Possible Rule Changes Ahead of World Cup
The FIFA president noted that the matter could be addressed at the next FIFA Congress, scheduled for next month in Vancouver. FIFA could consider introducing measures to discourage or prohibit players from covering their mouths at this year’s World Cup.
Infantino also floated the idea of differentiated sanctions for racist behaviour, depending on whether an offending player issues a public apology.
“Maybe we should also think about not just punishing, but also somehow allowing, changing our culture, allowing players or whoever does something to apologise,” he said.
“You can do things that you don’t want to do in a moment of anger and apologise, and then the sanction has to be different.”
Ongoing Investigation
Prestianni was provisionally suspended for the second leg of the Champions League tie pending the outcome of an investigation by UEFA. If found guilty, he could face a ban of up to 10 matches. The player has denied racially abusing Vinicius Junior.
The debate highlights growing pressure on football’s governing bodies to adopt clearer, tougher measures against racism, while balancing due process and cultural change within the sport.
