Post by Sports World (@sportsworld)

The "Vinicius Jr" rule has been APPLIED for the first time in the #FIFAWC2026 Türkiye vs Paraguay game.

🟥 RED CARD.

The first application of the new law was a red card for Panana's Miguel Almirón due to covering his mouth while saying something to a player from the opponent team.

The "Vicious Jr." law refers to new regulatory measures and legislation named after Real Madrid and Brazil superstar Vinícius Júnior, designed to combat racism and discriminatory abuse in football. It includes both a sporting rule implemented by #FIFA/IFAB and nationwide legal proposals in Brazil.

Approved by the International Football Association Board (#IFAB), this directive strictly penalizes players who attempt to hide abusive or racist remarks by covering their mouths during on-field altercations.

Players are prohibited from deliberately using their hands, shirts, or other objects to cover their mouths when arguing with or addressing an opponent or official.

Referees have the authority to issue a direct red card to any player engaging in this behavior during heated moments.

The rule was heavily pushed by FIFA after incidents where cameras and match officials were unable to conclusively verify racial or discriminatory insults because the offending player hid their mouth from lip-readers.

It's sad to see it was necessary to use but also very good to see the law was respected by the referees and the embarrassing infraction by Almirón was quickly punished.

#WC2026 #WorldCup2026 #Football #Sports #Paraguay

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