Miguel Almirón Makes History as First Player Sent Off Under FIFA’s New “Covered Mouth” Rule

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón was sent off in a World Cup Group D match against Turkiye on Friday after becoming the first player to receive a red card under FIFA’s newly introduced rule penalising players who cover their mouths during on-field confrontations.

The incident occurred in first-half stoppage time at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with Paraguay leading 1-0. Almirón, a former Newcastle United player, was involved in a heated exchange with Turkiye defender Mert Müldür when he briefly covered his mouth while appearing to direct a comment at his opponent.

Following a VAR review, the referee issued a straight red card, marking the first enforcement of a rule FIFA introduced in April as part of its expanded efforts to address misconduct and discriminatory behaviour in football.

The regulation states that players who conceal their mouths during verbal exchanges with opponents may be punished, including with a sending-off, if officials determine the act is intended to conceal abusive or discriminatory language.

FIFA has said the measure is designed to increase transparency during on-field interactions and strengthen its ability to investigate potential incidents of racism or abuse. The rule is being implemented as part of broader disciplinary reforms rolled out during the World Cup.

The decision to dismiss Almirón immediately shifted the momentum of the match, leaving Paraguay to play the remainder of the game with 10 men while still holding a narrow lead.

The new guideline follows several high-profile controversies in recent months, including an incident involving Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who was accused of making discriminatory remarks toward Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League fixture in February. Prestianni denied any racial abuse but later received a six-match ban, with part of the suspension suspended, for unrelated “homophobic conduct.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been a vocal supporter of stricter enforcement measures aimed at eliminating discriminatory behaviour from the sport. Speaking earlier this year, he defended the policy, saying that players who have nothing to hide should not need to conceal their mouths during conversations on the pitch.

“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.

The introduction of the rule has already sparked debate across the football world, with some viewing it as a necessary step toward accountability, while others question its interpretation and enforcement in fast-paced match situations.