AS: FIFA Considers 'Vinicius Law' to Combat Racism Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Media sources have reported an agreement between the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and FIFA to implement what is known as "Vinicius Law" to combat racism.

According to the Spanish newspaper "AS", during Saturday's IFAB meeting, an agreement was reached to prohibit players from using any type of clothing or objects, including their hand, to cover their mouth when addressing an opponent.

The same source confirmed that this decision will be applied before next summer's World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as part of FIFA's ongoing efforts to combat racism and all forms of discrimination in football.

The penalty mechanism was also discussed, with offenders to be sanctioned with a yellow card as an initial measure, a step aimed at sending a clear message that there is no place for racists in football.

This move follows the racist incident involving Brazilian player Vinicius Junior and Gianluca Prestianni, which sparked widespread controversy during the Real Madrid vs. Benfica match in the UEFA Champions League playoff round.