Infantino: Players Covering Mouths Should Be Sent Off
Gianni Infantino, the president of football's world governing body, has proposed that players who cover their mouths when speaking to opponents during confrontations should be sent off. He indicated that referees should operate under the presumption that players have communicated something inappropriate.
Referees should operate under the presumption that players have communicated something inappropriate when players cover their mouths.
This proposal follows a recent incident involving Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni. Prestianni covered his mouth while speaking to Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr during a Champions League game. He subsequently received a provisional one-match ban from Uefa for alleged use of racist language, a claim he denies. A full investigation by an ethics and disciplinary inspector is ongoing, and further action could be taken.
Infantino emphasized that while individual cases are handled by specific bodies, football must implement decisive actions that have a deterrent effect. The International Football Association Board (Ifab) discussed this issue at its annual general meeting. It was agreed that consultation would take place to develop measures aimed at stopping players from concealing what they might be saying to an opponent.
Football must implement decisive actions that have a deterrent effect.
Infantino's rationale is clear: if a player covers their mouth while speaking and the communication has a racist consequence, a send-off should occur. He added that covering one's mouth implies there is something to hide, suggesting inappropriate speech.