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Paraguay's Almiron first to be sent off under new FIFA 'mouth-covering ... Paraguay’s Almiron first to be sent off under new FIFA ‘mouth-covering’ rule Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox Paraguay's Miguel Almiron was sent off for covering his mouth during an on-field confrontation on June 19. PHOTO: REUTERS Published Jun 20, 2026, 12:39 PM Updated Jun 20, 2026, 12:39 PM SANTA CLARA, California – Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron claimed an unwanted piece of football history on June 19 after becoming the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth during an on-field confrontation under new FIFA rules. Former Newcastle player Almiron was given his marching orders in first half stoppage time after covering his mouth while he appeared to direct a comment at Turkey’s Mert Muldur during the two teams’ World Cup Group D game in Santa Clara, California. Paraguay were leading 1-0 when Almiron was dismissed following a VAR review. FIFA announced in April that players who cover their mouths in confrontations with opponents will be given a red card. The initiative being rolled out at the World Cup is part of a broader effort to combat racism, FIFA has said. The new rule fol…

Paraguay's Almiron sent off under new FIFA 'mouth-covering' rule Editor's Pick Turning the budget’s ambitions into reality will be a major test 19 June 2026, 09:00 AM Views NBR revises tariffs on 261 lines ahead of LDC graduation 19 June 2026, 00:00 AM Economy Why fencing the Myanmar frontier alone won’t work 18 June 2026, 14:52 PM Geopolitical Insights What the FY2026-27 budget reveals about Bangladesh’s climate priorities 19 June 2026, 11:00 AM Views Can a social media ban for children work in Bangladesh? 17 June 2026, 09:29 AM Big Picture Paraguay's Almiron sent off under new FIFA 'mouth-covering' rule 1 hour(s) ago UPDATED 1 hour(s) ago FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 SHARE AFP, Santa Clara Paraguay's Miguel Almiron argues with referee Ivan Barton. Photo: Reuters Paraguay's Miguel Almiron claimed an unwanted piece of football history on Friday after becoming the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth during an on-field confrontation under new FIFA rules. Former Newcastle player Almiron was given his marching orders in first half stoppage time after covering his mouth while he appeared to direct a comment at Turkey's Mert Muldur during the two teams' World Cup Group D gam…

FIFA World Cup new red card rules: Why was Miguel Almiron sent off in ... Miguel Almiron didn't go for a brutal tackle. Nor did he engaged himself into a fight against the opponent. Yet the Paraguay midfielder was shown a direct red card during a Group D match against Turkiye on Saturday at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara. The incident took place during the first-half injury time in a tussle between the players of two teams. While the players were dispersing, Almiron and Turkiye defender Mert Muldur. were spotted walking either ways when the Paraguay footballer said something with his mouth covered with hand. Muldur reacted quickly and raised a complaint to the match officials. Referee Ivan Barton quickly went for a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check and straightaway handed marching orders to Muldur. Almiron was a victim of a new rule that FIFA introduced at the World Cup, where a player can be sent off if seen passing a comment with hands over his mouth. The new law amendments, it said, “at the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card.” The amen…

Miguel Almiron speaks out on World Cup red card and broken new rule | Football | Sport https://www.eucup.com/1678989/ Former Newcastle United star Miguel Almiron apologised to his Paraguay team-mates as he broke his silence after his record-breaking red card at the World Cup. The 32-year-old …

World Cup stars to be red carded for bizarre new reason shares Share article FIFA announced that red cards will be issued to players if they cover their mouths when speaking to rivals during confrontations. As FIFA is prepares to tweak World Cup rules on yellow cards to ensure fewer players are suspended for key elimination games in North America, the game's governing body said the new directive will be adopted for the World Cup this year. Players could also face a red card for leaving the field in protest at a referee's decision. Advertisement READ MORE: Chiefs fume at Johnston for breaking bogus signing news READ MORE: Tigers insiders 'aren't concerned' with Luai's Chiefs move READ MORE: Football world in awe of one of the greatest games ever "If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously," president Gianni Infantino said. "There must be a presumption that he has said something he shouldn't have said, otherwise he wouldn't have had to cover his mouth. "If you do not have something to hide, you don't hide your mouth when you say something. That's it, as simple as that." Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid in a…

Paraguay's Almiron becomes first to be sent off for covering mouth Miguel Almirónbecame the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth and speaking during an altercation when he was shown a red card inParaguay's 2026FIFA World CupGroup D match againstTürkiyeon Friday. He was sent off in the third minute of added time in the first half. Almirón covered his mouth and appeared to speak to Türkiye right backMert Müldür. After a short VAR review by Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton, Almirón received a red card. The Atlanta United midfielder was dismissed following a new law passed by the International Football Association Board which states that "any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card." The rule had been brought in to stop potentially racist comments from being hidden from view, after a controversial incident involvingBenficawingerGianluca PrestianniandReal Madrid'sVinícius Júniorin the 2025-26UEFA Champions League. Per the new law, if the conversation is in a friendly context, players can cover their mouths. But as soon as there is any hint of confrontation, it's an automatic red card. This isParaguay…

Paraguay's Almiron sent off under new FIFA 'mouth-covering' rule <p>Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron claimed an unwanted piece of football history on Friday after becoming the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth during an on-field confrontation under new FIFA rules.</p> <p>Former Newcastle player Almiron was given his marching orders in first half stoppage time after covering his mouth while he appeared to direct a comment at Turkiye’s Mert Muldur during the two teams’ World Cup Group D game in Santa Clara, California.</p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed media--uneven media--tweet' data-original-src='https://x.com/ESPNFC/status/2068180266875515339'> <div class='media__item media__item--twitter '><span> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/2068180266875515339"></a> </blockquote> </span></div> </figure> <p>Paraguay were leading 1-0 when Almiron was dismissed following a VAR review.</p> <p>FIFA announced in April that players who cover their mouths in confrontations with opponents will be given a red card.</p> <p>The initiative being rolled out at the Wor…

Miguel Almiron sent off for covering mouth in Paraguay game - Soccer Almiron becomes first player at World Cup to be dismissed for covering mouth Josh Donaldson Miguel Almiron remonstrates with referee Ivan Barton IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Darren Yamashita Paraguay's Miguel Almiron made unwanted history during his side's Group D game with Turkey, after being sent off for covering his mouth 'in a confrontational manner' whilst talking to Turkey's Mert Muldur. The incident occurred towards the end of the first half after Almiron 's teammate, Isidro Pitta was fouled, leading to a scuffle between the players in what was a feisty affair. The referee didn't originally spot the incident, but was alerted to it by VAR, leading to the dismissal of the Atlanta United player by El Salvador referee Ivan Barton. The rule was brought it before the World Cup by FIFA after Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica covered his mouth to allegedly racially abuse Real Madrid 's Vinicius Junior in a Champions League knockout game earlier this year. In a statement from April, when the new rule was announced, IFAB said: "At the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontati…

Why was Paraguay's Almiron sent off during the match? Miguel Almirón Becomes First Player Sent Off Under New World Cup Rules Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón has made history by becoming the first player to be sent off under new regulations aimed at preventing players from covering their mouths during matches. This incident occurred during Paraguay's victory over Turkey in the 2026 World Cup. The new rules, designed to improve communication and transparency on the pitch, have sparked discussions about their implications for player behaviour and officiating standards in the tournament. What We Know So Far The 2026 World Cup has introduced several changes to the rules of play, one of which prohibits players from covering their mouths while speaking to teammates or officials. This measure aims to enhance the clarity of communication during matches and reduce instances of dissent or unsporting behaviour. Almirón's sending-off has raised eyebrows, as it is the first disciplinary action taken under this new regulation. Why This Matters in the UK The implications of this rule change extend beyond the pitch. In the UK, football fans and analysts are closely monitoring how such regulatio…

Uncertain World Cup for Paraguay’s Almiron, sent off for covering his mouth Almiron received the first red card for covering his mouth in the World Cup Group D match against Turkiye.

Miguel Almiron speaks out on World Cup red card and broken new rule | Football | Sport https://www.eucup.com/1678989/ Former Newcastle United star Miguel Almiron apologised to his Paraguay team-mates as he broke his silence after his record-breaking red card at the World Cup. The 32-year-old …

Referee shows Paraguay's Almiron red card, and he got an 'unwanted ... Onmanorama Staff Published: June 20, 2026 10:51 AM IST 1 minuteRead Link Copied Receiving a red card in a World Cup match is nothing new. But becoming the very first player to receive one under FIFA's brand-new disciplinary rule guarantees a spot in the history books—even if it is an unwanted record. And Paraguay's Miguel Almiron now has that unwanted record to his name. He earned it during Paraguay's FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match against Turkey. The incident occurred during first-half stoppage time. Almiron was involved in a confrontation with Turkey's Mert Muldur and, during the exchange, covered his mouth while speaking. The referee, Ivan Barton, spotted the act and immediately showed him a straight red card. VAR then reviewed the decision to ensure there was no mistake and upheld the dismissal. With that, Almiron became the first casualty of the new rule and its first record holder. FIFA had introduced a string of new rules ahead of the World Cup, and this was one of them. Under the regulation, players who cover their mouths with their hand, arm or shirt during confrontational situations can be …