FIFA chief calls for red cards to players covering mouths after Prestianni racism row

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents could face red cards if linked to racist abuse after the Vinicius Junior incident.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has raised the possibility of red cards for players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents if the gesture is linked to racist abuse.

The issue has gained attention following allegations made by Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior. He said Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni racially insulted him during their Champions League playoff meeting.

Prestianni denies the allegation. During Madrid’s 1-0 win in the first leg, television footage showed him approaching Vinicius while covering his mouth with his jersey. He was provisionally suspended for the second leg while an investigation was carried out.

The matter was discussed on Saturday at a meeting of the International Football Association Board. IFAB determines and amends the laws of the game.

Infantino said football authorities must be firm when dealing with suspected racist remarks made during matches.

“If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously,” he told Sky News.