Almirón Makes Unwanted History After Red Card for Mouth-Covering Incident in World Cup Clash
Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón was sent off during his country’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D match against Türkiye after an unusual disciplinary ruling involving the way he communicated with an opponent on the pitch.
The incident unfolded in first-half stoppage time after a foul near midfield led to a tense exchange between Almirón and Türkiye defender Mert Müldür.
During the confrontation, Almirón covered his mouth while speaking, prompting Müldür to immediately draw the referee’s attention.
Salvadoran referee Iván Barton sent the decision to VAR review, which resulted in a straight red card for the Paraguayan midfielder.
The dismissal marks the first major enforcement of a new International Football Association Board regulation that allows referees to sanction players who cover their mouths during confrontational exchanges with opponents, particularly when intent cannot be clearly monitored.
The rule was introduced amid concerns over incidents where players may hide abusive or discriminatory remarks during on-field disputes, following previous controversies in European competition.
While the regulation still permits players to cover their mouths during neutral or friendly conversations, it states that such behaviour in heated exchanges can be treated as misconduct worthy of a sending-off.
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