Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron has made history, becoming the first player to be dismissed for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent during his side’s World Cup group match against Turkey in San Francisco.
Almiron, 32, covered his mouth with his hand while speaking to Turkey’s Mert Muldur, who immediately informed an official standing next to him.
Miguel Almiron is handed a straight red for covering his mouth, the first adoption of the new rule at this World Cup.
Paraguay are down to 10 for the rest of this match against Turkiye. pic.twitter.com/2o8x41Y1n7
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 20, 2026
Following a check by the video assistant referee (VAR), referee Ivan Barton from El Salvador announced to the crowd that he was sending off the former Newcastle United winger.
The incident occurred just before half-time with Paraguay leading 1-0.
Commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, former Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison said: “If you know the rules, you shouldn’t do it. You’ve got to credit the referee and the VAR for making that decision.
“Not everyone would agree with it, but if those are the rules, you’ve got to stick by the rules.”
Paraguay eventually secured the maximum points with a 1-0 victory over Turkiye despite playing with 10 men for more than half of the match.
They will progress to the round of 32 if they beat Australia in their final group game on Friday (03:00 BST).
The rule is taking effect for the first time at the World Cup.
The decision was made at a special meeting of the International Football Association Board (Ifab) in Vancouver in April.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino welcomed the implementation by tasking referee to presume any defaulter has said “something they shouldn’t have”
This issue was brought to the fore after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni used his jersey to cover his mouth while addressing Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr during a Champions League game.
Prestianni was later found guilty of homophobic conduct and banned for six matches.
