New rule: FIFA takes drastic action after racism incident involving Vini Jr | OneFootball

Prestianni covered his mouth to call Vini Jr a monkey during a Champions League match

FIFA, together with the International Football Association Board (Ifab), intends to prohibit players from covering their mouths during a football match. The rule is being discussed after the Argentine Prestianni committed racism against Vini Jr, former Flamengo player.

According to Diario As, from Spain, the organizations plan to implement the rule starting from the 2026 World Cup. Still according to the Spanish portal, the idea is to give a yellow card to any player caught with their face covered while communicating.

How did FIFA and Ifab decide on the rule?

The prohibition of covering the mouth was the subject of the 140th Annual General Assembly between FIFA and Ifab. The meeting took place in Hensol, Wales, with the presence of Gianni Infantino, president of football’s highest governing body.

How did Prestianni commit racism against Vini Jr?

Vini Jr scored the winning goal for Real Madrid (ESP) against Benfica (POR) in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs. Then, the Flamengo academy graduate danced near the corner flag at Estádio da Luz, in Portugal, which was interpreted as provocation.

Among the outraged players from the Portuguese club, Prestianni covered his mouth with his uniform and shouted “mono” (monkey) towards Vini. Thus, the Brazilian forward received a yellow card for his celebration, while the aggressor left the match unpunished.

Will nothing happen to Prestianni?

Despite the lack of punishment on the field, UEFA suspended Prestianni for the return leg in Madrid. On that occasion, however, Vini scored again and repeated the dance near the corner flag, which did not result in a card.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.