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FIFA considers rule change after alleged racism incident

Key Points
  • FIFA is reportedly considering a rule to ban players from covering mouths during conversations.
  • Real Madrid condemned a supporter for making a Nazi salute during a Champions League match.
  • Vinícius Júnior alleged racial abuse by a Benfica player, with UEFA investigating the incident.

FIFA is reportedly considering a rule change to prevent players from covering their mouths when talking to opponents, following an alleged racism incident involving Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. According to reports, Vinícius Júnior claimed Prestianni repeatedly called him a racial slur during a Champions League match, but UEFA's investigation is hampered as Prestianni covered his mouth with his shirt, making lip-reading impossible. The proposed rule, internally called the "Vinícius rule," was discussed at a meeting with Ifab, the body that decides football rules.

Separately, Real Madrid condemned a supporter who made a Nazi salute during a live broadcast of a Champions League match against Benfica. The club requested immediate expulsion of the member, who was identified by security and removed from the stadium. Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League round of 16 after defeating Benfica.

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