Infantino Calls for Red Cards When Players Cover Mouths in Suspected Racist Abuse

Overview

• The FIFA president told Sky that officials should expel players who hide their mouths while making racist remarks and urged a presumption of wrongdoing in such cases.
• UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni while investigating the alleged abuse of Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. in the Feb. 17 Champions League match.
• Vinícius reported to the referee that he was called a monkey, prompting a brief stoppage, while Prestianni publicly denied using a racial slur on Instagram.
• Benfica coach José Mourinho said Prestianni will not play for him if the accusations are confirmed.
• Infantino also proposed pairing tougher sanctions with education and allowing public apologies as potential mitigating factors.