Vinícius

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Vinicius incident leads to FIFA extending Gianluca Prestianni’s ban: What it means for his 2026 World Cup hopes with Argentina

worldsoccertalk.com · 18 hours ago

What initially appeared to be a disciplinary matter within European competition has evolved into something far more significant for both club and country. The fallout from a heated Champions League night continues to ripple through the game, with Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior at the center of a controversy that has now reached the global stage. What initially appeared to be a disciplinary matter within European competition has evolved into something far more significant for both club and country. The controversy began during a Champions League fixture on 17 February, when Prestianni was accused of using homophobic language toward Vinicius Junior. The confrontation escalated after Vinicius scored, with reports stating the Benfica player covered his mouth while speaking to the Brazilian forward. UEFA later confirmed the punishment, stating that Prestianni had admitted to “homophobic conduct”, while a separate allegation of racial abuse was not proven after investigation. The match briefly halted as the referee activated anti-discrimination protocols, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body handed down a six-match suspension on 24 April, with a portion of the ban suspended for two years. One match was already served during the second leg of the tie, while the remaining games were distributed across European competitions. @tntsports pic.twitter.com/Fp4yhjWbg9— ' (@YrcQo) February 18, 2026 A UEFA regulation cited in the case states that discriminatory behavior can lead to “a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specified period of time”, underlining the severity of such offences. However, Prestianni’s sanction was set at six matches after the final ruling, with mitigating factors considered during the process. FIFA steps in and expands the ban The case took a major turn when FIFA accepted UEFA’s request to extend the suspension worldwide. This decision means the punishment now applies beyond club soccer and into official international competitions, including the World Cup. “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the six-match ban imposed by UEFA on SL Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni to have worldwide effect,” a FIFA spokesperson confirmed. The sanction is based on Article 70 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, ensuring consistency across global competitions. Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid is challenged by Gianluca Prestianni of SL Benfica. What it means for the World Cup The global extension of the ban directly affects Argentina’s tournament plans, as Prestianni would miss the national team’s opening two World Cup matches if selected. Argentina, a national team with strong depth in attacking positions, now faces uncertainty over whether the winger will be included at all. He has only one senior cap for La Albiceleste, which makes his selection increasingly unlikely despite earlier call-ups during friendly matches. Thus, the combination of limited international experience and a suspension affecting major fixtures places his World Cup hopes in serious doubt. Coaches often prioritize availability and reliability in tournament selections, especially in high-pressure environments. ianluca Prestianni of Benfica speaks towards Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid In response to similar situations, FIFA has moved quickly to tighten regulations. A proposal aimed at discouraging players from hiding their speech during confrontations has now been approved at the highest level of the sport’s rulemaking body. The International Football Association Board has given competitions the authority to issue a red card to players who cover their mouths while insulting opponents, marking a significant shift in how such incidents are handled. The timing of this decision has only intensified the spotlight on Prestianni’s case.

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Kylian Mbappe and Vinicus’ era meets possible Jose Mourinho twist as Benfica boss reportedly sets out three demands for Real Madrid comeback

worldsoccertalk.com · 18 hours ago

The noise around Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior continues to grow, but this time the spotlight shifts toward the bench, where Jose Mourinho has quietly re-entered the frame. The noise around Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior continues to grow, but this time the spotlight shifts toward the bench, where Jose Mourinho has quietly re-entered the frame. At Real Madrid, the idea of a dramatic reunion is no longer distant speculation, and the club once again finds itself weighing familiarity against the demands of a new era. The situation has developed quickly, with Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo suggesting that initial contact has already taken place between the Portuguese coach and the Spanish giant. Despite previous denials, the tone has changed, and conversations now appear to be moving toward something more concrete. What seemed unlikely only weeks ago is now firmly on the table. The club has been navigating a challenging period, with concerns over physical decline and a rising number of injuries shaping internal discussions. Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon has indicated that around 120 injuries across the last two seasons have raised alarms, prompting questions about preparation, workload, and long-term planning. This context has made the idea of a strong managerial figure more appealing. Within Los Blancos, there is a growing belief that restoring authority and structure could be just as important as tactical innovation, especially with a squad built around elite attacking talent. Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach of Real Madrid, congratulates Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid for scoring. Mourinho’s conditions begin to surface As talks have reportedly progressed, details of Mourinho’s expectations have begun to emerge, offering insight into how he views a potential return. According to multiple reports, the 63-year-old coach is not prepared to step into the role without clear guarantees that align with his philosophy. Ramon Alvarez de Mon has added that the Portuguese is not approaching the opportunity as a symbolic reunion but as a structured project built around control and authority. The key conditions reportedly include a two-year contract, the installation of his own coaching and fitness staff, and full authority over squad decisions, including player exits and tactical control. The experienced boss is also said to want autonomy over internal management, limiting external influence from the board. In reports attributed to ESDiario, it was claimed that the current Benfica manager even held a video meeting with his former club’s officials, during which he reiterated that he would only return if granted “guarantees” regarding the sporting structure and internal decision-making. Mourinho could leave Benfica Vision built on control and structure The broader message behind these conditions is clear. Mourinho reportedly believes that Real Madrid requires structural changes rather than surface-level adjustments, pointing to deeper issues within the club’s current setup. As the report suggests, he wants direct communication with the medical department and a streamlined relationship with the hierarchy. This would limit external voices and create a more centralized decision-making process, something he has valued throughout his career. Mourinho managed Arbeloa at Real Madrid Additionally, he is said to be concerned about the impact of commercial obligations, including pre-season tours. Managing player fitness and avoiding unnecessary strain appear to be priorities if he is to take charge. One of the most striking aspects of the reported demands involves potential changes to the squad. Mourinho is believed to want the freedom to reshape the team, even if that means making difficult calls on several players. Estimates suggest that up to seven players could be moved on if they do not fit his vision.

Vinicius Junior to Espanyol defender: “Later you’ll be asking for my shirt, you’re going to Segunda”

sports.yahoo.com · 2 days ago

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is never one to shrink away from a challenge, and during Los Blancos’ 2-0 win over Espanyol, opposite number Omar El Hilali did his best to get to grips with him. So...

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FIFA approves red card rule for players covering mouths after Vinicius Jr–Prestianni incident ahead of World Cup

worldsoccertalk.com · last week

In an effort to prevent a repeat of the recent incident between Vinícius Júnior and Gianluca Prestianni, FIFA has approved a new rule for the 2026 World Cup where players who cover their mouths during confrontations will receive an automatic red card. The confrontation between Vinicius Junior and Gianluca Prestianni in the UEFA Champions League sparked significant controversy, ultimately resulting in a suspension for the Argentine forward. One of the lasting consequences of that episode is that FIFA, with less than two months until the 2026 World Cup, has now approved a new rule that would see players shown a red card for covering their mouths during confrontations with opponents. The incident dates back to February, when Vinicius accused Benfica’s Prestianni of racial abuse. Because the young forward had covered his mouth during the exchange, UEFA was unable to gather sufficient evidence to substantiate the Brazilian’s claim. Prestianni was nonetheless sanctioned for “discriminatory conduct,” receiving a suspension that could extend to a maximum of six matches in the event of any further offense during his probation period. On Tuesday, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for the laws of the game, convened a special meeting in Vancouver, Canada to consider several proposed rule changes, including one designed to prevent a repeat of the kind of incident seen in this season’s Champions League. In a statement released following the meeting, FIFA outlined the new measure. “At the discretion of the competition organizer, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card,” the governing body confirmed. Lionel Messi of Argentina speaks with Yasser Al-Shahrani of Saudi Arabia during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. As clarified in the statement, the rule will not apply in every situation where a player covers their mouth on the pitch, such as when speaking with a teammate or even an opponent in a non-confrontational context. The red card sanction will be reserved specifically for confrontational situations, though the precise role VAR will play in adjudicating these moments remains to be seen. FIFA and IFAB stated that the measure was introduced to “address and conceal discriminatory and inappropriate behavior.” The governing body also confirmed that the new rules approved at Tuesday’s meeting will be in effect for the 2026 World Cup, meaning fans could see the regulation applied for the first time on soccer’s biggest stage. What did Gianni Infantino say about players covering their mouths? When the Vinicius-Prestianni incident first came to light, a number of high-profile voices weighed in on the matter. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was among the first to suggest that covering one’s mouth during a confrontation should carry severe consequences. Speaking on Sky News in early March, Infantino made his position clear. “If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously. There must be a presumption that he has said something he shouldn’t have said, otherwise he wouldn’t have had to cover his mouth. Of course, when you deal with a disciplinary case, you have to analyze the situation, you have to have evidence, but we cannot just be satisfied with that going forward,” he said. New rule implemented following AFCON episode The most recent edition of the Africa Cup of Nations also contributed to Tuesday’s rule changes, after Senegal players walked off the field in protest following a penalty call that went in favor of Morocco, with some players apparently believing the decision meant the match had been awarded to their opponents despite winning the final 1-0. In response, FIFA and IFAB have introduced a new rule that will also result in a red card for any player who leaves the field of play in protest at a referee’s decision. The moments that changed everything in the 202

Report: Kylian Mbappé faces issues at Real Madrid amid leadership scrutiny compared to Vinícius Jr.

worldsoccertalk.com · last week

Despite his strong goalscoring form, Kylian Mbappé appears to be facing issues at Real Madrid, as his leadership is reportedly being questioned. Instead, Vinícius Jr. continues to stand as the leader of the group, leaving the Frenchman in a secondary role. Kylian Mbappé has established as Real Madrid’s most difference-making player. Despite the team’s disappointing season, he has still shone individually, scoring 41 goals in 41 matches. Even so, the Frenchman is reportedly facing issues in the dressing room, as his leadership is being questioned by his teammates. Instead, Vinícius Jr. has emerged as the undisputed leader of the squad, leaving the 27-year-old striker in a secondary role. According to Le Journal Du Real, Real Madrid‘s locker room have chosen Vinicius Jr. as their leader, relegating Kylian Mbappé to a secondary role. With Álvaro Arbeloa’s arrival, the Brazilian forward successfully rallied the entire team around him, generating a positive momentum of results without the Frenchman. Meanwhile, Partidazo COPE reports that Los Blancos do not perceive the 27-year-old striker as the protective figure and leader they had anticipated. Despite the numerous issues he has had with the fans and even with Xabi Alonso, Vinícius Jr. has managed to remain a key figure in the dressing room, as he consistently looks out for the group’s overall well-being, protecting his teammates. In addition, the Brazilian has delivered a strong all-around impact, scoring 19 goals and providing 14 assists, making his objective clear: To contribute to the team while also creating opportunities for his teammates. Coupled with this, Real Madrid’s performances at the end of the season reportedly caused significant frustration for Mbappé, who privately criticized his teammates. However, Jude Bellingham has emerged as a strong critic of the Frenchman, also questioning the striker’s performances, increasing tension in the dressing room, according to Le Journal du Real. As a result, the 27-year-old could be losing influence within the group, in contrast to Vinícius Jr.’s standing. Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid looks dejected. Kylian Mbappé’s problems may have begun with Xabi Alonso’s dismissal Following Xabi Alonso’s arrival, Kylian Mbappé emerged as the team’s cornerstone, with the system built to maximize his performance. As a result, the Frenchman established himself as the team’s leader, backed by the coach, while Vinícius Jr. took on a secondary role. However, everything changed after Xabi’s departure, as Álvaro Arbeloa reshaped the team’s structure, leading the 27-year-old star to no longer be the focal point of the side. Under Arbeloa, Vinícius Jr. has taken on the role of team leader, gaining significant influence in on-field decision-making. In addition, the Frenchman reportedly believes that Los Blancos dismissed Xabi Alonso to benefit certain players, as the team had a more collective identity under him, according to Le Journal du Real. Alongside the reported leadership issues, Kylian is facing significant criticism from Real Madrid fans. After his recent injury, some believe he is holding back to be fully fit for the 2026 World Cup with France, raising further doubts about his commitment. Despite this, the 27-year-old striker remains the team’s top scorer, making him indispensable to the club’s sporting project.

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