FIFA President Gianni Infantino has declared that footballers who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents should be ejected. This proposed rule change aims to presume offensive language when a player obscures their mouth during an altercation.
Infantino's comments follow an incident involving Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior, who reported racist abuse during a match. The situation was complicated by the opposing player allegedly covering his mouth while making the alleged remarks.
The FIFA president also expressed a desire to revise the minimum 10-game ban for apologetic players involved in discrimination, suggesting a focus on cultural change. He emphasized that football must address racism within the sport directly, rather than solely attributing it to broader societal issues.
Plans are underway to strengthen the laws of the game through the International Football Association Board by April, with implementation targeted for the World Cup in June. Infantino stated that decisive action and a deterrent effect are crucial in the fight against racism in football.