Why was Miguel Almiron sent off against Turkiye? New FIFA rule makes World Cup history

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron made unwanted FIFA World Cup history on Friday after becoming the first player to be sent off under FIFA's new mouth-covering rule during his side's Group D clash against Turkiye.

In Short

• Miguel Almiron makes unwanted history under FIFA's new mouth-covering rule
• Red card issued after VAR review in Paraguay vs Turkiye World Cup clash
• Rule targets players hiding abusive language during confrontations

Miguel Almiron became the first casualty of FIFA's new mouth-covering rule after the Paraguay midfielder was sent off during his side's World Cup clash against Turkiye on Friday.

Almiron was shown a straight red card by referee Ivan Barton following a VAR review late in the first half. The incident occurred during a heated exchange with Turkiye defender Mert Muldur after a foul on Paraguay forward Isidro Pitta sparked a confrontation between players.

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While standing away from the main scuffle, Almiron was seen covering his mouth with his hand while speaking to Muldur. The Turkiye defender immediately alerted the match officials, prompting a VAR intervention. After reviewing the footage on the pitchside monitor, Barton produced a direct red card, reducing Paraguay to 10 men.

The dismissal came with Paraguay leading 1-0, leaving them to navigate the remainder of the contest a man down.

WHAT IS THE NEW FIFA RULE?

FIFA introduced the regulation ahead of the 2026 World Cup as part of efforts to combat abusive or discriminatory language on the pitch.

Under the rule, a player who covers their mouth with a hand, arm or shirt while involved in a confrontational situation with an opponent can be shown a red card. The law is intended to prevent players from concealing comments that cannot be verified by match officials, broadcasters or disciplinary bodies.

However, the rule does not apply to non-confrontational situations. FIFA has clarified that players will not be punished for covering their mouths during friendly conversations, including exchanges with club teammates representing different national teams.

The regulation was introduced following an incident involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League knockout match against Real Madrid earlier this year. Prestianni allegedly covered his mouth while directing abuse at Vinicius Junior, making it difficult for officials to determine exactly what was said.

When announcing the rule in April, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) said: "At the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card."

For years, players and coaches have routinely covered their mouths during conversations to prevent tactical discussions from being picked up by television cameras. Football's lawmakers, however, have moved to crack down on the practice when it occurs during confrontations, particularly in cases involving potential abuse or discriminatory remarks.

Almiron's dismissal against Turkiye is now the first high-profile instance of the rule being enforced at a FIFA World Cup, setting a precedent for players throughout the remainder of the tournament.

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