FIFA Suspends Paraguay's Miguel Almiron for One Match After First World Cup Red Card for Covering Mouth

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."