Ecuador not only had a bad night on June 30, being eliminated by Mexico in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, but also due to an incident involving their central defender Piero Hincapié.
They were the last minutes of the game and “El Vasco” Aguirre’s team had the victory assured thanks to the 2-0 score. The Ecuadorians, despite multiple arrivals, They were not able to open the scoring or maintain the illusion of a possible comeback.
During a play in the middle of the field, Hincapié addressed the Mexican player Santiago Giménez and He said a few words to her while covering his mouth.after he responded with a “to your house”, in reference to Ecuador’s elimination from the World Cup.
This generated an immediate reaction from Giménez, who ran towards the referee and told him that the Ecuadorian defender had violated one of the new rules implemented in football.
The Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić went directly to the VAR and, after a few seconds, made his decision: the player had covered his mouth, which was why which showed him the red card, which aggravated the frustration of the Ecuadorian team.
Upon learning of his expulsion, Hincapié He left the field with an expression of disbelief.
This fact quickly became viral on social networks, not only because users want to know what Hincapié said to Giménez, but because of the controversy that revolves around this new rule.
Known as the “Vinícius Law” or “Prestianni Law”, in reference to the Real Madrid and Benfica players, respectively, who They were involved in a similar controversy in a Champions League matchthis rule allows referees to send off players who cover their mouths when addressing other footballers.
In theory, this measure would prevent players use racist or any other insults against their rivals.
However, the regulations have generated diverse reactions, since some claim that it can be harmful, since it is not known with certainty. if a player covers his mouth to insult another or simply to talk about another matter.
It has also generated rejection due to the expulsion that involves covering the mouth, since some media and players They consider it disproportionate to punish this action in the same way as more violent behaviors within the game, such as a strong tackle or a foul.
Also read: The dog that stole Ecuador’s celebration after the historic victory against Germany