Paraguay winger Miguel Almiron became the first player in World Cup history to be sent off under football’s controversial new rule banning players from covering their mouths while speaking on the pitch.
The 32-year-old was shown a red card during Paraguay’s Group Stage clash against Turkey in San Francisco after placing his hand over his mouth while talking to defender Mert Muldur.
Muldur immediately alerted nearby officials, prompting a VAR review. Following the check, referee Ivan Barton informed the crowd of his decision before dismissing the former Newcastle United star shortly before half-time.
The incident occurred with Paraguay leading 1-0, a scoreline they successfully defended despite playing the entire second half with 10 men.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison said the decision was harsh but consistent with the laws.
“If you know the rules, you shouldn’t do it,” Morrison said.
“You have to credit the referee and VAR for applying the law. Not everyone will agree with it, but those are the rules.”
Despite Almiron’s dismissal, Paraguay secured a valuable 1-0 win that moved them closer to the knockout stages.
Victory over Australia in their final group match would guarantee a place in the last 32.
After the game, Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro admitted there was little room for debate over the decision.
“According to the law, if you cover your mouth, it’s a red card,” Alfaro said.
“There’s nothing I can do about that. Miguel apologised to the players because he understood the difficult situation he had put the team in.”
The coach added that the incident helped bring out the fighting spirit of a Paraguay side appearing at their first World Cup since 2010.
The regulation was introduced earlier this year following a special International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting in Vancouver.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had previously backed stronger measures against players concealing conversations on the field, arguing officials should work from the assumption that hidden exchanges may involve inappropriate language.
Under the new law, referees have full discretion to determine whether covering the mouth warrants a dismissal based on the circumstances of each incident.
The issue gained significant attention in February when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth while speaking to Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during a Champions League match.
Following an investigation, Prestianni was found guilty of homophobic conduct and received a six-match ban, with three matches suspended.
This is not the first time Almiron has fallen foul of a recently introduced law at the tournament.
During Paraguay’s opening match against the United States, American defender Tim Ream was initially booked for a challenge on Almiron.
However, a VAR review concluded the Paraguayan had simulated contact, resulting in the yellow card being reversed and issued to Almiron instead.
While Paraguay celebrated a vital victory over Turkey, Almiron’s historic dismissal has already become one of the most talked-about moments of the 2026 World Cup.
