Infantino suggests players covering mouths when addressing opponents could be sent off

Guardian Sport

by PA Media

March 1, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed stricter measures to combat racism in football, suggesting that players who cover their mouths while addressing opponents could face red cards. This move comes amid heightened scrutiny of such behavior following allegations of discriminatory abuse made by Vinícius Júnior against Gianluca Pessiellini. While Pessiellini denies the claims, he was suspended during Benfica's Champions League playoff match against Real Madrid, where Vinícius plays, pending an investigation. The practice of covering mouths to prevent cameras from capturing conversations between players has long been common, primarily to avoid revealing tactical discussions or private chats. However, with growing concerns over racism and discrimination in football, Infantino’s suggestion aims to send a strong message about unacceptable behavior on the field. This proposed rule change reflects FIFA's commitment to addressing racial abuse and ensuring a safer environment for all players. The incident involving Vinícius Júnior has brought significant attention to the issue of mouth-covering gestures and their potential link to discriminatory actions. By proposing disciplinary action against such behavior, Infantino is signaling that even non-verbal conduct can have serious consequences if it contributes to a culture of racism or hostility in the sport. This initiative highlights FIFA’s broader efforts to tackle discrimination in football, which has become a pressing issue globally. The proposed rule change not only targets overtly racist gestures but also aims to prevent subtle forms of aggression that can create an unwelcoming environment for players. By taking a firmer stance on such behaviors, FIFA hopes to set a new standard for sportsmanship and inclusion in the game. For readers interested in sports, this development underscores the ongoing struggle to combat racism in football and the potential impact of such measures on player behavior and the overall culture of the sport. It also raises questions about how enforcing these rules will be implemented and whether they will effectively address the root causes of racial discrimination in football.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 3/1/2026