FIFA and IFAB working to implement the ‘Vinicius Law’ to combat racism in football

One of the major that has most concerned FIFA under current president Gianni Infantino has been racism in football.

The world football governing body has developed all kinds of protocols to try to stop it, or at least expose those involved in the vile behaviour. Yet the issue persists.

The ‘Vinicius Law’ is underway

As such, FIFA and International Football Association Board (IFAB) have agreed to clamp down on racism and have approved a ban on players covering their mouths when addressing an opponent, reports AS, with the outlet terming it the ‘Vinicius Law’.

What happened in recent weeks in the incident involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. has not gone unnoticed by FIFA.

The Argentine youngster, covering his mouth with his shirt, allegedly hurled racist slurs at the Brazilian attacker, calling him a ‘monkey’. A provisional one-match ban was handed to him by UEFA even as investigation into the matter continues.

Prestianni allegedly called Vinicius a ‘monkey’ while covering his mouth. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

In order to prevent such instances in the future, at the IFAB Assembly held on Saturday 28 February, it was agreed to prohibit footballers from using shirts or any other object, including their hands, to cover their mouths when addressing an opponent.

It is another sign that the fight against racism and any form of discrimination, which FIFA embarked upon years ago, is being taken very seriously. There is no place for racists in football.

Regulations will now have to be adapted in order to establish a disciplinary tool that prevents such gestures during a match. For the time being, a yellow card has been discussed as a possible first step.

This initiative will be approved before this summer’s FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.