FIFA Considers Red Card for Players Covering Mouths During Matches Following Vinícius Júnior Incident

FIFA is reportedly pushing for a new rule that would result in an automatic red card for players who cover their mouths during matches, a measure prompted by the recent incident involving Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. The proposed rule aims to deter players from concealing potentially racist or abusive language directed at opponents.

The Incident in Lisbon

During the Champions League playoff first leg match between Benfica and Real Madrid on February 17, 2026, Vinícius Júnior accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him following the Brazilian’s goal. Prestianni was seen speaking to Vinícius while covering his mouth with his jersey. Vinícius Júnior alleged that Prestianni called him a “monkey,” a racist slur. Prestianni has denied the allegations, stating that Vinícius misinterpreted his words, but has not yet publicly detailed his version of events.

UEFA’s Response and Suspension

The match was paused for 10 minutes as referee François Letexier activated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol after Vinícius Júnior reported the incident. UEFA has provisionally suspended Prestianni for one match, ruling him out of the second leg of the Champions League playoff round. Benfica appealed the decision, but the appeal was dismissed on February 23, 2026. Euronews reports that Prestianni will miss the second leg in Madrid.

Potential Disciplinary Action and Investigation

Prestianni faces a potential 10-match ban if found guilty of racial abuse under UEFA’s disciplinary code. UEFA has appointed a special investigator to gather evidence related to the incident. ESPN details that Vinícius Júnior, after the game, posted on Instagram, stating, “Racists are, above all, cowards. They require to cover their mouths with their shirts to display how weak they are.”

FIFA’s Proposed Rule Change

FIFA is now considering a rule change that would mandate a red card for any player who covers their mouth during a match, believing it is a deliberate attempt to conceal abusive language. The international federation hopes to have the new measure in place for the 2026 World Cup. The intention is to provide referees with a clear and immediate response to such actions, deterring players from engaging in potentially racist or abusive behavior. The New York Times reports on the potential impact of this rule change.

Ongoing Concerns and Previous Incidents

This incident is part of a larger pattern of racist abuse directed towards Vinícius Júnior. La Liga has reported 26 incidents of racist abuse against him since October 2021.