Miguel Almiron has become the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth during a World Cup match, as Paraguay faced Turkey. The former Newcastle United star was involved in a heated exchange with Mert Muldur and used his hands to conceal his words.
New IFAB Rule Enforced
Covering the mouth was designated a red card offence after a special meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in late April. FIFA adopted the rule for the 2026 tournament to combat discriminatory or inappropriate conduct on the pitch.
The dismissal came after a VAR review determined that Almiron had deliberately covered his mouth while confronting Muldur. The incident occurred in the second minute of added time, sparking a brief scuffle between players.
Heightened Tensions
Tensions remained high as the halftime whistle blew, with players and staff clashing on the pitch before heading to the dressing rooms. Almiron now faces a suspension for Paraguay's final group stage match against Australia next Friday.
Paraguay have little grounds for complaint, as the regulations clearly state that any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation will receive a red card.
Background of the Rule
The rule change was prompted by an incident involving Gianluca Prestianni, who lifted his shirt while allegedly directing racial abuse at Vinicius Junior. Although he denied the racial abuse, he was punished for homophobic conduct.
UEFA found the Benfica winger guilty and handed him a six-match ban, with three suspended, plus an additional provisional one-game suspension.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino told Sky News in March: "If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously."
Following the rule's introduction, Infantino posted on Instagram: "At a Special Meeting of The International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Vancouver, some key decisions were taken to protect the integrity of our game and ensure mutual respect continues to govern football at all levels. We unanimously agreed that at the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card."
Infantino added: "I thank all stakeholders for your time, valuable inputs and alignment on these important matters which have been managed in a consultation process led by FIFA. These amendments will be implemented at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 and all other competition organisers will be able to decide whether to implement the changes before they enter into force on 1 July 2026."
