Fifa discusses ‘Vinicius Law’ sanctions for players covering mouths

Football lawmakers are discussing the introduction of a ‘Vinicius Law’ to punish players who cover their mouths to conceal abuse following a high-profile incident involving the Real Madrid winger.

Proposing a deterrent against concealed language

The International Football Association Board (Ifab) raised the concept during a technical meeting in Wales on Friday.

This potential deterrent follows an investigation into Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni for alleged racial abuse directed at Vinicius Junior.

Prestianni appeared to shield his mouth while addressing the Brazilian forward during a Champions League fixture last week.

While the Argentine winger vehemently denies using racist language, the precise words exchanged remain disputed due to the obstruction.

British associations within Ifab reportedly showed receptiveness to the idea, dubbed by insiders as "Vinicius’ Law".

Discussions remain in the preliminary stages, with the practicalities of enforcing such a rule requiring careful consideration before any formal proposal.

Background to the Lisbon incident

The alleged abuse occurred during Real Madrid’s victory over Benfica in Lisbon on 17 February.

Play was halted for 10 minutes in line with Uefa regulations after the 25-year-old reported the incident to referee Francois Letexier.

Despite the disruption, the forward completed the match after earlier scoring a wonderful individual strike to give his side the lead.

Vinicius became visibly upset following his goal celebration and immediately informed the match official.

"Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are."

The Brazil international posted the statement on Instagram following the encounter.

Uefa sanctions and wider reforms

Uefa imposed a provisional sanction on Prestianni on Monday, ruling him out of the return leg in Madrid.

The Portuguese club had appealed against the decision prior to the fixture.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side secured their place in the last 16 with a 2-1 victory on Wednesday, sealing a 3-1 aggregate success.

Separately, Fifa officials have discussed increasing penalties from yellow to red cards for players walking off the pitch.

This suggestion follows chaotic scenes at the conclusion of the recent Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco.