Players who cover their mouths in a verbal confrontation should be sent off, says FIFA President Gianni Infantino. It follows the explosive racism row involving Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. 'There must be a presumption that he has said something he shouldn't have said, otherwise he wouldn't have had to cover his mouth. Gianni Infantino says footballers who cover their mouths during altercations should be sent off'There are situations which we did not foresee. Vinicius Jr, one of football's most prominent black players, has suffered a series of high-profile racial abuse cases throughout his career.

Source: Metro March 01, 2026 23:39 UTC