Real Madrid News
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.
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.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
