Revolution in FIFA Rules: Red Card for Covering Mouths and the Fight Against Racism

The world football federation stands on the brink of a revolution that could permanently change player behavior on pitches worldwide. Gianni Infantino, head of FIFA, announced that the organization is seriously considering introducing a rule requiring players to keep their faces visible during conversations with opponents and referees. The reasoning is simple: players routinely use their hands to cover their mouths, which prevents lip-reading experts and television cameras from recording the words spoken. In an era of rising racism, such behavior becomes a safe haven for aggressors who feel untouchable, knowing their words will not be documented. The tradition of players covering their mouths became widespread in the early 21st century as a way to protect private conversations and tactical instructions from ubiquitous high-resolution television cameras. The direct impetus for action was a scandal in the Spanish La Liga. The referee of the Elche vs. Espanyol match had to activate a special anti-racism protocol after Omar El Hilali was insulted by Rafa Mir. The Elche striker allegedly directed the xenophobic phrase „you came by dinghy” at his rival. This incident caused widespread outrage, especially since the attacked player, despite his Moroccan roots, was born in the Spanish town of L'Hospitalet. Similar emotions are stirred by the case of Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, accused of a racist attack on Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior. In this case, Jose Mourinho, the current coach of the Lisbon club, reacted himself, categorically distancing himself from the player and announcing his definitive removal from the team if the allegations are confirmed. „When we see a player covering his mouth while talking aggressively to an opponent, it should be an automatic red card. We must eliminate this barrier in the fight against discrimination.” — Gianni Infantino Infantino's proposal has received a mixed reception in the football community. On one hand, FIFA's determination in the fight for the purity of sport is emphasized; on the other, the interpretative difficulties that referees will face are pointed out. Critics note that distinguishing a gesture of covering the mouth to convey tactical advice from an attempt to hide an insult can be extremely subjective. Nevertheless, the federation seems determined to move away from its previous passivity and introduce technology and severe sanctions as the main weapons in the fight against hatred. This situation fits into a broader trend of tightening discipline in stadiums, where any attempt to violate another person's dignity is to be immediately condemned. FIFA plans to put the proposal to a vote by advisory bodies in the next legislative cycle, suggesting that the new rules could come into force as early as the next season of international competitions.