FIFA Approves 'Vinicius Law' to Combat Racism, Bans Mouth-Covering on Field

• FIFA and IFAB approve new rule prohibiting players from covering mouths while speaking to opponents.
• The 'Vinicius Law' aims to prevent concealment of racist or verbally abusive remarks from officials and cameras.
• Move follows incident where Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni allegedly used a racist slur against Vinicius Junior.
• New regulation seeks to increase transparency, making discriminatory remarks easier to detect and punish.
• Initial sanction for violation is likely a yellow card; full implementation expected before 2026 FIFA World Cup.