Infantino Pushes Tough Action on Mouth Covering in Racism Fight

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has intensified the global conversation around racism in football by calling for automatic dismissals of players who cover their mouths during heated on-pitch exchanges.

The proposal comes in the wake of allegations involving Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, who reported being racially abused by Benfica youngster Gianluca Prestianni during their UEFA Champions League playoff first leg. The incident drew particular attention after Prestianni appeared to shield his mouth while speaking, prompting UEFA to open a formal investigation.

Prestianni has since been suspended for the return leg and could face a ban of up to 10 matches if found guilty by European football’s governing body.

Speaking to Sky News, Infantino suggested the act of covering one’s mouth during confrontations should raise immediate suspicion.

If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously,” Infantino stated.

There must be a presumption that he has said something he should not have said, otherwise he would not have had to cover his mouth.”

The FIFA boss acknowledged that disciplinary cases still require proper evidence and analysis but insisted football authorities must evolve their approach to keep pace with modern challenges.

His remarks align with FIFA’s broader anti racism drive, with the world governing body already planning regulatory changes ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The issue was discussed at Saturday’s meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), where officials examined ways to discourage players from hiding their speech during confrontations.

English FA chief executive and IFAB member Mark Bullingham supported the review, noting that there are very few legitimate reasons for players to cover their mouths when speaking to opponents.

Momentum is now building toward possible rule adjustments, with next month’s FIFA Congress in Vancouver expected to be a key checkpoint in the process. Measures could even be approved in time for implementation at the upcoming World Cup cycle.

Beyond punishment, Infantino also floated the idea of encouraging accountability and cultural change within the game. He suggested that football authorities should consider frameworks that allow offenders to apologise publicly, particularly in moments driven by emotion.

You can do things that you do not want to do in a moment of anger and apologise, and then the sanction has to be different,” he said.

The proposal reflects FIFA’s growing determination to demonstrate zero tolerance toward racism while also promoting behavioural reform across the sport. As investigations continue in the Vinicius Junior case, the debate around mouth covering and on pitch conduct is likely to remain firmly in football’s spotlight.