Emerging
Jun 23, 2026 Major3
92%
FIFA Suspends Paraguay's Miguel Almiron for One Match After First World Cup Red Card for Covering Mouth
FIFA has suspended Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron for one match after he received the first red card in World Cup history for covering his mouth during a confrontation with Turkey's Mert Mulder. The ban, which is not subject to appeal, will cause Almiron to miss Paraguay's final group-stage match against Australia.
Quick Facts
Who
Miguel Almiron
What
received a red card and one-match suspension
When
Friday
Where
World Cup (match venue)
- received a red card and one-match suspension
- covered mouth during verbal confrontation
- introduced new rule against covering mouth
- missed final group-stage match against Australia
- Miguel Almiron
Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron has been handed a one-match suspension by FIFA following his dismissal for covering his mouth during a confrontation with Turkey's Mert Mulder, marking the first such red card in World Cup history.
The incident occurred late in the first half of Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey last Friday. Under new rules introduced by FIFA, players are prohibited from covering their mouths to disguise what they are saying during verbal confrontations, with violations resulting in an immediate red card.
FIFA confirmed on Tuesday that Almiron will miss Paraguay's final group-stage match against Australia on Thursday. The governing body stated that the decision is not subject to appeal.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino advocated for the rule after 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 Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, resulting in a six-game ban from UEFA, three of which were deferred, for what was described as discriminatory conduct.
The International Football Association Board approved the rule change in April, allowing competition organizers to penalize players with a red card for covering their mouths during confrontations. The rule is optional within the Laws of the Game.
Infantino expressed support for the new regulation on Tuesday, stating, "This thing about covering the mouth is for us a very, very important rule. 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."
Why This Matters
This decision sets a precedent for FIFA's new rule against covering the mouth during confrontations, signaling a stricter enforcement of sportsmanship and respect. Players must now be aware that verbal exchanges on the field are closely monitored, and any attempt to conceal remarks can lead to immediate expulsion, affecting team strategies and match outcomes.
Timeline & Sources
Apr 1, 2026
WireIFAB agrees in April to allow red cards for covering mouth during confrontations
Jun 19, 2026
WireParaguay defeats Turkey 1-0; Almiron receives red card for covering mouth during confrontation with Mert Mulder.
Jun 19, 2026
WireParaguay defeats Turkey 1-0; Almiron receives red card for covering mouth
Jun 23, 2026
WireFIFA announces one-match suspension for Almiron, confirming he will miss match against Australia.
Jun 23, 2026
WireFIFA confirms one-match suspension for Almiron, effective for match against Australia
Jun 25, 2026
WireAlmiron serves suspension during Paraguay's group-stage match against Australia.
Jun 25, 2026
WireParaguay faces Australia in final group match; Almiron suspended