Paraguay have lodged an official complaint with FIFA after Jude Bellingham escaped a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent during England's goalless draw with Ghana. The incident has sparked accusations of inconsistent enforcement of a new rule that previously saw Paraguay's Miguel Almiron sent off.
Bellingham Incident
During the Group L match, Bellingham was spotted covering his mouth while exchanging words with Ghana forward Jordan Ayew. Despite the act being a straight red card offence under FIFA's new directive, the England midfielder remained on the pitch for 73 minutes without punishment. The Paraguayan Football Association has submitted a formal protest to FIFA, arguing that the rule has not been applied equally across all competing nations.
Almiron's Red Card
Miguel Almiron became the first player ever to be sent off for covering his mouth during Paraguay's narrow win over Turkey. FIFA confirmed the rule ahead of the tournament, stating that any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent would receive an immediate red card. Almiron now faces a suspension for Paraguay's final group stage match against Australia, and an early exit could mean his red card marked his last contribution to the tournament.
FIFA's Stance
FIFA president Gianni Infantino publicly backed the rule, saying: "This thing about covering the mouth is for us a very, very important rule. It's about respect. It's about the example that we should give. If you have nothing to hide, you don't cover your mouth when you speak to somebody. The rules have been made very clear to everyone." The rule was introduced after a special IFAB meeting in April, following an incident where Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni received a six-match ban for homophobic abuse while hiding his mouth.
Paraguay's Outrage
Paraguayan commentator Jorge Vera was incensed by the inconsistency, branding Infantino and referee Ivan Barton as "thieves" and accusing them of "killing football" during a live broadcast. FIFA responded by revoking his World Cup accreditation.
