Paraguay's Almiron Sees First World Cup Red Card for Covering Mouth, but Team Wins 1-0

Q: After the first 'mouth-covering' red card, will this controversial rule decide the World Cup's outcome?

Yes, it could influence the World Cup, but it is too early to say it will decide it on its own. Miguel Almiron’s dismissal for Paraguay against Turkey has already shown the rule can change matches immediately. A straight red card means a team plays with 10 men and the player is automatically suspended for the next game, with the possibility of a longer ban. In a short tournament, that can be decisive, especially if it affects a key player in a knockout match. The rule is unusually strict because it punishes the act of covering the mouth in a confrontation, not proven abusive language. FIFA and Ifab introduced it after the Gianluca Prestianni case, arguing that hidden comments make racist, homophobic or abusive conduct harder to police. Gianni Infantino has backed a presumption that players who hide their mouths are concealing improper remarks. That same logic is why the rule is controversial. In Almiron’s case, there was no public evidence he used abusive language, yet VAR still led to a red card. That raises the risk of major matches being shaped by interpretation rather than clearly established misconduct. So the rule is now a real tournament factor. It may not decide the World Cup by itself, but it can certainly decide individual matches, alter suspensions, and swing a title race if it is applied in a high-stakes knockout game. Much will depend on whether referees enforce it consistently and whether players quickly adapt their behavior.

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 20

Miguel Almiron, 32, was sent off just before halftime in Paraguay's 1-0 win over Turkey after covering his mouth while speaking to Mert Muldur.
VAR reviewed the confrontation and referee Ivan Barton announced the dismissal, making Almiron the first player red-carded under the new World Cup rule.
The law was approved by IFAB in April and gives referees discretion to punish players who hide their mouths while speaking, amid concerns over abusive language.
Paraguay still held on with 10 men and can reach the last 32 by beating Australia in their final group match on Friday.