The crucial moment during the Champions League play-off between Real Madrid and SL Benfica has triggered a significant shift in how football’s governing bodies may police on-field behaviour. FIFA is reportedly weighing new regulations to combat verbal abuse, focusing on a tactic increasingly used by players to evade accountability: covering their mouths.
The “Prestianni Law”
According to Sky Sports News, officials are exploring a rule informally dubbed the “Prestianni Law”. This proposed regulation would allow for sanctions against players who deliberately obscure their mouths while directing comments at opponents. The move follows a high-profile incident where Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni allegedly pulled his jersey over his face before directing a racist slur toward Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
While Prestianni has denied the accusations, the inability of cameras or officials to read his lips has highlighted a loophole in disciplinary enforcement. FIFA’s review signals a new intent to look beyond just the words spoken, targeting the gestures used to hide them.
Players’ Voice Committee to Review Proposal
The proposal is set for evaluation by FIFA’s Players’ Voice Committee—a consultative body of professional footballers. Mikael Silvestre, a member of the panel, confirmed the group is seeking ways to penalise this behaviour.
“We are trying to find ways to sanction players who cover their mouths. It is one thing to discuss something tactical with teammates or have a casual discussion, but this was a clear case of animosity between players,” Silvestre told Sky Sports. “We possibly need to sanction this type of conduct when a hand is placed in front of the mouth or they cover up using their jersey.”
Official Response
Real Madrid has confirmed they submitted all available evidence to UEFA as part of the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has taken a firm stand on the matter.
“I was shocked and saddened to see the incident of alleged racism towards Vinicius Junior,” Infantino said. “There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and in society—we need all the relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible to account.”
If adopted, the new law would represent a landmark change in the FIFA disciplinary code, treating the concealment of speech during altercations as an aggravating factor in misconduct cases.
