FIFA adopts 'Vini Jr.' anti‑racism rule for 2026 World Cup

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved a new amendment to the Laws of the Game, informally called the “Vini Jr. Rule,” which allows referees to expel any player who deliberately covers his mouth during a confrontation to conceal possible racist remarks. The change will be applied at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making the tournament the first major competition to enforce such a measure.

The rule is named after Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior, whose repeated experiences of racism on the field spurred the proposal. In Brazil, the nickname also appears in several state statutes—first in Rio de Janeiro in 2023, then adopted by Paraíba and Rio Grande do Sul—that set protocols for stopping matches, suspending play, or even ending competitions when severe discrimination occurs. Sports‑law specialist Jéssica Souza emphasized that the amendment shifts racism from a purely disciplinary issue to a violation of human dignity, aligning football’s regulations with fundamental rights. Former national‑team player Silas also highlighted the personal costs Vini Júnior endures for confronting racism, underscoring the broader cultural impact of the new rule.