New Fifa ‘Vinicius Law’ will see players sent off at World Cup if they cover their mouths during confrontations

Players who cover their mouths when confronting an opponent will be immediately sent off at this summer’s World Cup, under new, tougher sanctions.

This significant rule change comes after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior reported racial abuse from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who covered his mouth during a Champions League match in February.

Vinicius was visibly upset by the comment and promptly informed the referee, prompting a 10-minute halt in play in line with UEFA regulations.

Any similar incident at the upcoming tournament will now result in a red card, following a unanimous agreement by football’s lawmakers, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), in Vancouver on Tuesday.

An IFAB statement outlining the law change read: “At the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card.”

UEFA announced last Friday that Prestianni had been given a six-match ban in relation to the incident for discriminatory conduct that was homophobic in nature, with three of the games suspended for two years and one already served on a provisional basis.

UEFA announced last Friday that Prestianni had been given a six-match ban in relation to the incident for discriminatory conduct that was homophobic in nature (AFP/Getty)

It is understood Vinicius’ allegation of racism was found not proven by UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary body (CEDB) and that Prestianni admitted using a homophobic slur towards the Brazilian. The sanction imposed is still subject to appeal.

FIFA brought the idea of bringing in sanctions for players covering their mouths to the IFAB’s annual general meeting in Wales in February, shortly after the incident occurred.