FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for players to be sent off if they cover their mouths while speaking to opponents during confrontations.
Speaking to Sky News, Infantino argued that referees should work from a “presumption” that players hiding their speech have said something prohibited.
“If you do not have something to hide, you don’t hide your mouth,” Infantino said. “It’s as simple as that.”
The proposal follows a provisional one-match ban for Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who allegedly used racist language against Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. while covering his mouth with his shirt.
While the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has not yet ratified a rule change, officials are consulting on the measure.
FIFA hopes to reach an agreement at the April 30 Congress in Vancouver, potentially implementing the new law in time for this summer’s World Cup.
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham cautioned that more discussion is needed to avoid “unforeseen circumstances,” though he agreed there are few reasons for players to hide their speech during heated on-field exchanges.
