Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron became the first footballer to receive a red card under the World Cup’s newly introduced rule regarding players covering their mouths while speaking on the pitch. The incident occurred during Paraguay’s group-stage meeting with Turkey in San Francisco.
Shortly before the interval, the 32-year-old covered his mouth with his hand while talking to Turkish defender Mert Muldur. Muldur immediately alerted a nearby match official, prompting further scrutiny of the exchange.
After consulting with the video assistant referee, referee Ivan Barton of El Salvador informed spectators of his decision and dismissed the former Newcastle United player. At the time of the incident, Paraguay were leading the match 1-0.
New regulation makes World Cup debut
The rule is being enforced at a World Cup for the first time. Its introduction was approved during a special meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) held in Vancouver in April.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had previously expressed support for such a measure. He stated that officials should operate with the assumption that a player may have said “something they shouldn’t have” when attempting to conceal their words.
Although the regulation allows for a dismissal, the final decision remains entirely with the referee. Match officials are expected to assess all relevant circumstances before determining whether a red card is warranted.
Reaction and Paraguay’s response
Former Republic of Ireland forward Clinton Morrison said the officials had correctly applied the law. While acknowledging that some observers might disagree with the outcome, he stressed that players must abide by the regulations once they are in place.
Despite being reduced to 10 men for more than half of the contest, Paraguay successfully protected their advantage and secured a 1-0 victory over Turkey.
The result leaves Paraguay in a strong position in Group C. Victory against Australia in their final group fixture on Friday would secure a place in the last 32 of the tournament.
Previous incidents linked to the rule
The debate surrounding players concealing their mouths gained prominence in February during a Champions League match involving Benfica and Real Madrid. Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni used his shirt to cover his mouth while speaking to Vinicius Jr.
Prestianni was initially accused of racist abuse, an allegation he denied. He was provisionally suspended for one match before a UEFA investigation concluded that he had committed homophobic conduct instead. The player subsequently received a six-game ban, with three matches suspended.
Almiron had already been involved in another notable application of a new law during Paraguay’s opening World Cup match against the United States. In that game, referee Tim Ream was initially booked for a challenge on the Paraguayan attacker, but a VAR review determined that Almiron had simulated the foul, resulting in a yellow card being shown to him instead.