FIFA President Gianni Infantino is pushing for a rule change to send off players who cover their mouths during altercations, following a high-profile racism allegation involving Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for football’s lawmakers to introduce a “presumption of guilt” for players who cover their mouths during verbal confrontations.
The proposal follows a heated clash between Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
Infantino argues that hiding one’s speech suggests offensive intent, stating, “If you don’t have something to hide, you don’t hide your mouth.”
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has confirmed it will consult on measures against mouth-covering and discrimination.
This move aims to provide a deterrent against racial and homophobic abuse, which often escapes sanction due to a lack of clear evidence.
Any permanent rule changes are expected to be ratified by the governing body in time for the 2026 World Cup.
The row has divided opinion, with Benfica manager Jose Mourinho defending the “presumption of innocence” as a human right while vowing to sack any player proven guilty of racism.
Vinicius Junior has frequently been at the center of anti-discrimination efforts in Spain and Europe.
Disciplinary inspectors are currently reviewing the incident, which could lead to significant long-term bans for those involved.