Overview
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino said players who cover their mouths while speaking and make remarks with racist consequences should be sent off.
- IFAB discussed the issue after the Real Madrid–Benfica match that featured a suspected on‑field racism incident.
- Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was accused of calling Vinícius Júnior a monkey, a claim he denies after covering his mouth during the exchange.
- UEFA suspended Prestianni, causing him to miss last Wednesday’s playoff return leg in Spain.
- Infantino indicated new provisions could be applied at the World Cup this summer, with IFAB working on specific measures following recent broader rule reforms.