FIFA President Demands Red Cards for Mouth-Covering Players in Verbal Altercations
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for a radical new rule in football: players who cover their mouths during verbal confrontations should be sent off immediately. Infantino argues that this action should create a "presumption" of guilt, treating mouth-covering as sufficient evidence that something offensive has been said.
Background: The Vinicius Junior and Prestianni Controversy
This proposal follows the explosive racism row involving Real Madrid's Vincius Junior and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. In March, during the first leg of their Champions League play-off, Vinicius Jr accused his opponent of racially abusing him. However, Prestianni's exact words remain under investigation because he covered his mouth with his shirt during the flashpoint, obscuring what was said.
Speaking to Sky News, Infantino stated: "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."
Infantino's Rationale and Broader Anti-Racism Strategy
The FIFA President elaborated on his reasoning, emphasizing the need for decisive action. "I simply do not understand 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," he said. Infantino believes this measure is part of a broader, serious fight against racism in football, aiming to create a deterrent effect.
He also suggested considering cultural changes within the sport, including allowing players to apologize for actions taken in moments of anger, which could lead to different sanctions. "We have to stop racism. We cannot just be satisfied by saying 'well, it's a problem in society, so we cannot do anything about it except what we are already doing,'" Infantino asserted.
IFAB Consultation and Rule Changes
On Saturday, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), football's lawmakers, announced they would hold consultations on measures against discrimination and players covering their mouths. Any changes would be ratified ahead of the 2026 World Cup. At their Annual General Meeting, IFAB also approved other rule changes, including:
- Measures to clamp down on time-wasting
- New VAR protocols
Vinicius Jr's History and Ongoing Investigation
Vinicius Jr, one of football's most prominent black players, has suffered numerous high-profile racial abuse cases throughout his career. Last month, he accused Prestianni of making a racist remark. The Argentinian was provisionally banned for the second leg of Madrid and Benfica's tie, but he could face a longer-term sanction following an ongoing investigation by an ethics and disciplinary inspector.
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni claimed that Prestianni had admitted to making a homophobic remark instead of a racist one. In the aftermath, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho initially suggested that Vinicius Jr had incited anger with his celebration, but he later moderated his comments after backlash from the football community, including figures like Thierry Henry and Rio Ferdinand.
Speaking on Sunday, Mourinho said: "If my player did not respect these principles, which are mine and Benfica's as well, then that player's career with a coach named Jose Mourinho and at a club named Benfica will come to an end. I am not a scholar, but I am not ignorant either. The presumption of innocence is a human right, isn't it?" He added that if Prestianni is found guilty, their relationship would be irreparably damaged.
