FIFA calls for rule changes before World Cup; players covering their mouths for racist abuse to be sent off

The fight against racism has intensified after FIFA President Gianni Infantino called for the expulsion of any player who covers their mouth while speaking to an opponent if the conversation is deemed to have racist implications.

Infantino’s comments came during an interview with Sky News, following an incident in the Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica. Brazilian Vinicius Junior informed the referee that he had been subjected to alleged racist abuse by Benfica’s Gianluca Brestiani, who was seen covering his mouth while speaking.

Rule Changes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Infantino stated that a player who covers their mouth in a situation that results in racist behaviour should be sent off. He added:

There should be a presumption that they said something they shouldn’t have said; otherwise, they wouldn’t have needed to cover their mouth.

This places the “presumption of conduct” at the heart of refereeing decisions and gives referees greater leeway to intervene immediately in such cases. At the same time, the proposal opens a legal debate about the presumption of innocence and the mechanisms of proof on the field, especially since the laws of the game traditionally rely on proven facts, not assumptions. This could pose challenges when drafting any official amendment.

According to Infantino, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) is considering strengthening the legal texts by next April, paving the way for the possible adoption of the amendments before the next World Cup. This move reflects FIFA’s desire to tighten its regulatory procedures on this issue.

Racism Penalties

Alongside this strict approach, the FIFA president revealed a plan to reconsider the minimum 10-match suspension, allowing it to be reduced if the player offers a sincere apology. This is part of what he described as an attempt to change the culture within football, rather than relying solely on penalties.

In his statements, Infantino also stressed the need to stop treating racism as a “societal problem” outside the realm of the game, emphasizing that football is required to lead the fight against it, not merely react to it.

The issue of racism in football stadiums, the many players who have experienced it, FIFA’s responses, and the proposed reforms to address it may redefine how to deal with behaviors that occur outside the public sphere.

Within the framework of calls for immediate expulsion and the possibility of reduced penalties upon apology, FIFA is seeking a balance between decisive deterrence and providing an opportunity for reform.

Featured image via the Canary