FIFA plans to introduce a new rule to tackle verbal abuse during matches following the incident involving Vinicius Jr.
This move comes after allegations of racist comments during a Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica on February 17.
Attention grew when Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was seen covering his mouth while speaking during the altercation with Vinicius Jr.
Photo by Harry Murphy – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
FIFA proposes new rule on mouth-covering
UEFA is still investigating the case, with Prestianni suspended for the following match, which saw Real Madrid move to the Round of 16.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino wants to prevent situations like what Vinicius Jr. faced from happening again.
“If a player covers his mouth and says something with racist impact, he should be sent off,” he stated. “There should be an assumption that he said something inappropriate, otherwise he wouldn’t have covered his mouth.”
“If you have nothing to hide, you don’t need to cover your mouth when speaking. It’s straightforward.”
The International Football Association Board is set to look at these changes in April, aiming for implementation before the World Cup in June.
Review of disciplinary measures
Alongside automatic red cards, Infantino and FIFA are examining how to impose penalties that will both punish and discourage discriminatory actions.
“We need to take decisive action with a deterrent effect. We should also consider allowing players to apologize for actions taken in moments of anger, leading to a different sanction.”
“We must actively combat racism; we can’t simply say it’s a societal issue that we can’t address beyond current measures.”
The proposed changes reflect FIFA’s commitment to strengthening its anti-discrimination policies as global competitions get closer.