FIFA Approves 'Vinicius Law'! Move To Ban Mouth-Covering In Anti-Racism Push - Report

Last Updated:February 28, 2026, 20:13 IST

FIFA and IFAB reportedly approved the "Vinicius Law," banning players from covering their mouths to fight racism, starting at the 2026 World Cup.

Football’s lawmakers have drawn a new line in the sand.

At their Annual General Meeting on February 28, FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved a rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths with shirts, hands or any object while speaking to opponents.

The move is designed to combat racism and verbal abuse by preventing players from concealing insults from referees, cameras and lip-readers.

The measure has already been informally dubbed the “Vinicius Law" in Spanish media, following a high-profile incident involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.

During a recent Champions League playoff first leg in Lisbon, Prestianni allegedly covered his mouth with his shirt while directing a racist slur, reportedly calling Vinicius a “monkey." UEFA handed the Argentine a provisional one-match ban as its investigation continues.

According to AS, the new rule aims to increase transparency on the pitch and make discriminatory remarks easier to detect and punish. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has repeatedly identified racism as one of the governing body’s most pressing concerns.

While FIFA has rolled out multiple anti-discrimination protocols in recent years, officials acknowledge the problem persists.

Under the new framework, regulations will now be adapted to formalize disciplinary measures. A yellow card is currently being discussed as the initial sanction for players who violate the rule, though further details are expected in the coming months.

The initiative is set to be fully implemented ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

News sports football FIFA Approves 'Vinicius Law'! Move To Ban Mouth-Covering In Anti-Racism Push - Report

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