FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed sending off players who cover their mouths while talking to opponents, amid allegations of racism against Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. Prestianni is accused of racially abusing Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during a Champions League game, while covering his mouth with his shirt.
"If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously," Infantino told Sky News. He believes covering one's mouth indicates an intention to hide something, and this gesture could be considered evidence of wrongdoing.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) discussed this issue, and measures might be implemented at this year's World Cup. Infantino also suggested different punishments for racist abuse depending on whether the guilty player publicly apologizes.
Prestianni, who denies the allegations, was provisionally suspended for the second leg of the Champions League tie and could face a 10-match ban if found guilty.
"If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously," Infantino told Sky News. He believes covering one's mouth indicates an intention to hide something, and this gesture could be considered evidence of wrongdoing.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) discussed this issue, and measures might be implemented at this year's World Cup. Infantino also suggested different punishments for racist abuse depending on whether the guilty player publicly apologizes.
Prestianni, who denies the allegations, was provisionally suspended for the second leg of the Champions League tie and could face a 10-match ban if found guilty.
