Paraguay’s Almiron Receives One‑Game Ban Following Red Card for Mouth‑Covering Incident

FIFA has also revoked World Cup credentials from journalist Jorge Chipi Vera following his broadcast criticism of Almiron’s red card.

23 Jun 2026

Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almiron has been suspended for one match after becoming the first player in FIFA World Cup 2026 to receive a red card for covering his mouth.

FIFA confirmed on Tuesday that Almiron will miss Paraguay’s final group match against Australia and that the sanction is non‑appealable.

Almiron made football history when he received a red card for covering his mouth during a dispute with Turkey’s Mert Muldur in the first half of Paraguay’s 1‑0 victory last Friday.

The new regulation bars players from covering their mouths during confrontations, imposing instant dismissal for violations.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino championed the rule following a high‑profile incident in last season’s Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica.

Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni attempted to conceal verbal insults directed at Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior.

UEFA subsequently imposed a six‑game ban on Prestianni – three of which were deferred – citing discriminatory, specifically homophobic conduct.

The International Football Association Board confirmed in April that players may receive a red card for covering their mouths during verbal confrontations.

Although not mandatory under the Laws of the Game, the rule permits competition organisers such as FIFA to apply it.

Infantino reaffirmed his support for the rule on Tuesday.

“This thing about covering the mouth is for us a very, very important rule,” he told SNTV. “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, everyone knows them, so this is an important element.”

Journalist sanctioned after on‑air outburst against Almiron’s red card

FIFA also revoked the World Cup credentials of commentator Jorge Chipi Vera following his profanity‑filled tirade against the organisation and match officials during Almiron’s dismissal.

The broadcaster labeled Infantino and the referee “thieves” and accused them of “killing football” after Paraguay was reduced to ten men. He subsequently issued a public apology on X, acknowledging the cancellation of his accreditation.

“During the broadcast of the match between Paraguay and Turkey, I had an outburst,” Vera said in his lengthy apology. “In the midst of my frustration over the expulsion of a player from my country, and feeling that my national team was being harmed, I used offensive and unacceptable expressions against the referee, FIFA, and its authorities.”

Vera explained that the sanction bars him from participating in his media outlet’s World Cup coverage, both onsite and offsite, encompassing all forms of coverage tied to the tournament.

While FIFA has yet to release a public statement, bans of journalists are rare for the organisation.

During Sepp Blatter’s tenure, investigative journalist Andrew Jennings was barred from all FIFA events following corruption allegations that were later vindicated in U.S. courts.

Vera, a commentator for ABC Cardinal and ABC TV, also apologized to sponsors supporting his coverage and indicated he had sent a formal letter of apology to FIFA, accepting full responsibility.

He added, “Questioning a rule or a referee’s decision does not justify the loss of composure I displayed. I failed in upholding the fundamental professionalism of this role.”

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