Infantino proposed the new measure following the International Football Association Board annual general meeting in Wales. The move aims to prevent players from concealing abusive or racist language during disputes. The FIFA president suggested that match officials should dismiss any player found hiding their speech while addressing opponents or referees.
The proposal follows a recent investigation into alleged racial abuse involving Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior. Prestianni was accused of using a slur while covering his mouth with his shirt, although he denies the claim, per OneFootball.
Existing IFAB rules already allow for yellow cards in cases of dissent, but the new "Vinícius Law" would upgrade the sanction to a straight red card. FIFA and the British associations are exploring the logistics of enforcing the rule before the 2026 World Cup, according to the Bridgwater Mercury. Other changes agreed at the meeting include a 10-second limit for substituted players to leave the pitch.
