FIFA toughened punishments for players who cover their mouths to insult opponents during games, as he did.
This Tuesday (28), the entity unanimously approved at its 76th congress, held in Canada, a rule that punishes behavior with a red card. With the decision, any athlete who tries to cover up what they are saying when arguing with an opponent may be expelled.
The new measure will come into effect after the World Cup, in June, according to the recommendation of the International Board (IFAB). Players who leave the field in protest of refereeing decisions will also be punished with a WO defeat.
The case happened at the African Cup of Nations, when the African Football Confederation (CAF) gave the title to Morocco after considering that Morocco had abandoned the field. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) analyzes the situation.
Or Prestianni x Vini Jr case
Gianluca Prestianni was accused by Vinicius Júnior of having called the Brazilian “macado” in the first game of the Champions League knockout playoffs, played at the Estádio da Luz, in Lisbon. The broadcast of the match showed that Benfica’s attacking midfielder covered his mouth with his shirt during the argument.
The 20-year-old Argentine denied the accusations and, in a note on Instagram, defended himself by stating that “Vinicius Júnior unfortunately misinterpreted what he believed he heard.”
The player was suspended for six matches. The decision was taken by the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the entity that governs European football. According to the organization’s bulletin, the suspension was due to “discriminatory conduct”, more specifically “homophobia”, as the player declared that he referred to Vinícius as “maricón” (sissy, in Spanish), and not “mono”, which would be a monkey.
