Trending Now - Infantino Calls for Red Cards for Covering Mouths

WHO:

Gianni Infantino, UEFA president and FIFA president

Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid forward

Gianluca Prestianni, Benfica winger

Mark Bullingham, English FA CEO and IFAB member

UEFA, FIFA, International Football Association Board (IFAB)

WHAT:

Infantino called for players who cover their mouths during confrontations to be sent off.

UEFA opened an investigation into Prestianni for alleged racial abuse of Vinícius Júnior.

Prestianni has been provisionally suspended for one match and could face a 10-match ban if found guilty.

FIFA plans to introduce measures to prevent mouth-covering during confrontations ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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."

Infantino emphasized the need for a presumption that players covering their mouths have said something inappropriate.

WHERE:

The incident occurred during a Champions League game between Real Madrid and Benfica.

The IFAB annual general meeting took place in Wales.

FIFA Congress is scheduled to occur in Vancouver.

WHEN:

The Champions League game in question took place on February 17, 2026.

Infantino's comments were made less than two weeks after the incident.

The IFAB meeting occurred on the weekend prior to March 2, 2026.

Measures could be implemented in time for the summer World Cup in 2026.

WHY:

The call for new measures is a response to the incident involving Vinícius Júnior and Gianluca Prestianni, highlighting the need to address racism in football.

Infantino expressed a desire to change the culture around accountability in football, suggesting that players should be allowed to apologize for their actions.

HOW:

The proposed measures will be discussed and developed through consultations at IFAB.

Infantino suggested that the disciplinary process should include a presumption of guilt when players cover their mouths.

In a significant move to combat racism in football, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for players who cover their mouths during confrontations to be sent off, emphasizing the need for accountability in the sport. This comes as UEFA investigates Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for allegedly racially abusing Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match on February 17, with Prestianni facing a provisional one-match suspension and the possibility of a ten-match ban if found guilty. Infantino's comments were made following the recent IFAB meeting in Wales, where discussions about implementing new measures ahead of the 2026 World Cup were initiated.