Paraguay’s Almiron Sent Off Under FIFA’s New Mouth-Covering Rule

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron became one of the first high-profile casualties of FIFA’s new anti-discrimination regulations after being sent off during his side’s World Cup Group D clash against Turkey in Santa Clara, California.

The former Newcastle United star was shown a red card in first-half stoppage time following a VAR review after appearing to direct comments at Turkish defender Mert Muldur while covering his mouth.

At the time of the incident, Paraguay were leading 1-0 and appeared to be in control of the contest before being reduced to 10 men.

The dismissal came under FIFA’s recently introduced regulation, which automatically sanctions players who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents on the field.

The rule, introduced in April and being enforced at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, forms part of FIFA’s broader efforts to combat racism, discrimination and abusive behaviour in football.

Football’s world governing body believes that covering the mouth during exchanges makes it difficult for match officials and disciplinary bodies to determine what has been said, particularly in cases involving alleged discriminatory language.

The policy was introduced following a controversial incident earlier this year involving Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during a UEFA Champions League match in February.

Prestianni was accused of racially abusing the Brazilian star, allegations he strongly denied. Although he was later handed a six-match suspension, with three matches suspended, the punishment was ultimately for homophobic conduct rather than racial abuse.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been one of the strongest advocates of the regulation, insisting that transparency in player interactions is essential to tackling discriminatory behaviour in the game.

“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 when explaining the rationale behind the new law in March.

Almiron’s dismissal is likely to reignite debate over the implementation of the rule, which FIFA hopes will serve as a strong deterrent against offensive and discriminatory conduct during matches.

The incident also highlights the governing body's determination to enforce the regulation strictly during the World Cup as part of its wider campaign to promote respect, accountability and fair play on football’s biggest stage.