Vinicius Jr once again drawn the attention of the media from around the world, but this time for a demand as surprising as it is polemical. On the eve of the long-awaited semi-final, the Brazilian striker sent an official request to FIFA so that Gianluigi Donnarumma, the goalkeeper of the opposing team, was suspended and cannot participate in the meeting. The reason mentioned by the Real Madrid player is unusual to say the least: he claims to fear for his personal security as well as that of his teammates.
According to several sources close to the player’s entourage, Vinicius Jr has expressed his discomfort on numerous occasions in the face of Donnarumma’s behavior on the ground, calling him “dangerous and unpredictable”. He would even have transmitted several videos to FIFA to support his statements, highlighting certain muscular interventions of the Italian goalkeeper in previous matches. This approach immediately created a shock wave in the world of football, both by its unprecedented character and by the player concerned.
Vinicius JR, known for his sometimes explosive temperament and his provocative style of play, would also have tried to convince other members of his national team to support his request, but without apparent success. He would then have intensified his pressures by directly contacting the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino. In a letter transmitted by his agent, Vinicius would insist on the responsibility of FIFA to guarantee a safe and fair play environment.
The response of the president of FIFA was not long in. In a laconic but firm press release, Gianni Infantino recalled that all disciplinary decisions must be based on proven facts and objective surveys, not on individual fears or personal opinions. He also pointed out that players’ security is already an absolute priority for the Federation, but that no exceptional measure will be taken without clear justification.
The reaction of the Italian camp was immediate. The national team coach described this request for “ridiculous and disrespectful”, saying that Donnarumma is an exemplary professional and that he has never been sanctioned for dangerous behavior. The goalkeeper, meanwhile, remained silent, but his entourage evokes great anger mixed with misunderstanding in the face of such an accusation.
This case comes to throw a shadow on the preparation of the semi-final, while the spirits are already heated by the stake of the meeting. Some observers see it as an attempt at psychological destabilization, others a real personal concern. In any case, FIFA will now have to ensure that this tension does not degenerate on the ground.
