Real Madrid and Vinicius have been talked about extensively in recent weeks, largely because of the ongoing case of Gianluca Prestani, who is accused of racially abusing the 25-year-old during Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off first-leg win over Benfica. The matter is ongoing and UEFA is currently investigating the incident.
Prestani, meanwhile, has been suspended by UEFA, meaning he misses Wednesday’s second leg. Both he and Benfica have denied claims that he called Vinicius a monkey, and hard evidence is difficult to find as the pitchside audio did not pick up any conversation between the players.
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Prestani covered his mouth before speaking to Vinicius, meaning lip-reading could not be used either, but the behavior is about to be stopped by Fifa and Fifa. According to Diario AS, both organizations have agreed to ban players from covering their mouths when talking to opponents in a bid to curb racism.
2026 World Cup laws to come into effect
Photo credit: Angel Martinez/Getty Images
This law was informally known as the “Law of Vinicius”. At the latest FIFA Congress on Saturday, it was unanimously agreed to ban football players from using their shirts or any other type of object, including their hands, to cover their mouths when addressing opponents, with plans to finalize the new rule ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
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FIFA takes the fight against racism seriously and this change is further proof of that. The move is likely to be welcomed by Real Madrid, who will continue to support Vinicius as UEFA investigates the case surrounding Prestani and the unpleasant scenes that took place at the Stadium of Light 12 days ago.
