Paraguay's Almiron becomes first player to be sent off under new FIFA 'mouth-covering' rule
AI Summary
At the 2026 World Cup, Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron became the first player in football history to receive a red card under a new FIFA rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths while speaking to opponents. The incident occurred during first-half stoppage time in a group-stage match against Turkey, when Almiron shielded his mouth during an on-field exchange with a Turkish player. Despite being reduced to ten players, Paraguay secured a 1-0 victory while the new regulation was being enforced for the first time.
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Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron claimed an unwanted piece of football history on Friday after becoming the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth during an on-field confrontation under new FIFA rules.
Former Newcastle player Almiron was given his marching orders in first half stoppage time after covering his mouth while he appeared to direct a comment at Turkiye’s Mert Muldur during the two teams’ World Cup Group D game in Santa Clara, California.
Paraguay were leading 1-0 when Almiron was dismissed following a VAR review.
FIFA announced in April that players who cover their mouths in confrontations with opponents will be given a red card.
The initiative being rolled out at the World Cup is part of a broader effort to combat racism, FIFA has said.
The new rule follows controversy earlier this year when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was accused of racially abusing Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior during a Champions League game in February.
Prestianni denied racially abusing Vinicius but was later banned for six matches — with three of those suspended — for “homophobic conduct”.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been a prominent supporter of the new law.
“If you do not have something to hide, you don’t hide your mouth when you say something. That’s it, as simple as that,” Infantino said in March. ...
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