The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantinoargued that Players who cover their mouths with their shirts during on-field altercations should be able to be sent offin reaction to the incident that occurred in the match between Sport Lisboa e Benfica and Real Madrid CF, counting for the UEFA Champions League.
In an interview with Sky Sports, the director stated that, If an athlete hides his mouth while uttering words with racist consequences, he must be excluded. According to Infantino, this attitude can justify the presumption that something inappropriate was said, adding that football needs firmer and more dissuasive responses to combat discriminatory behavior.
The case in question occurred on February 17th, at Estádio da Luz, in Lisbon, during the first leg of the play-off to reach the round of 16. Brazilian striker Vinicius Júnior was reportedly the target of alleged racist insults by Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni. French referee François Letexier stopped the game and activated the anti-racism protocol, with the match resuming around ten minutes later.
After the match, Prestianni denied having directed any racial offense at his opponent, while Vinicius Júnior and other players on the Spanish team confirmed the occurrence of insults. UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings and provisionally suspended the Benfica player while the investigation is ongoing.
Infantino stressed that disciplinary processes must continue to be based on the collection of evidence, but argued for changes in the future, including more immediate measures in the field. The President of FIFA He also admitted the possibility of, in certain cases, considering the presentation of an apology and the consequent adaptation of the sanction, highlighting the importance of promoting a cultural change in football to prevent episodes of discrimination.
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