Almiron Sent Off for Mouth Covering in Historic FIFA Rule Enforcement

Updated 56 min 15 sec ago

June 20, 2026 04:06

Almiron Sent Off for Mouth Covering in Historic FIFA Rule Enforcement

• Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth during an on‑field confrontation under the new FIFA regulation.

Updated 56 min 15 sec ago

AFP

June 20, 2026 04:06

SANTA CLARA — Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron claimed an unwanted piece of football history on Friday after becoming the first player sent off for covering his mouth during an on‑field confrontation under the new FIFA rules.
The former Newcastle midfielder was shown a red card in first‑half stoppage time after shielding his mouth while apparently directing a comment at Turkey’s Mert Muldur during the Group D match in Santa Clara, California.
Paraguay had been leading 1‑0 when Almiron was dismissed following a VAR review.
FIFA announced in April that players who cover their mouth in confrontations with opponents will receive a red card. The initiative is part of a broader effort to combat racism at the World Cup.
Earlier this year, Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianini was accused of racially abusing Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match in February. Although Prestianini denied the allegations, he was later banned for six matches — three suspended — for “homophobic conduct.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has championed 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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