Paraguay's Almiron Suspended for One Game After Red Card for Covering Mouth

The Incident and Suspension

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron has been given a one-match suspension after he became the first player to be sent off at the FIFA World Cup 2026 for covering his mouth.

FIFA confirmed on Tuesday that Almiron will miss Paraguay's final group game against Australia on Thursday. The world football governing body said the decision was not subject to appeal.

The Red Card Incident

Almiron made history when he was issued a red card for covering his mouth during a confrontation with Turkiye's Mert Muldur late in the first half of Paraguay's 1-0 win last Friday.

Under new rules, players are not allowed to cover their mouths to disguise what they are saying during confrontations, with infringements leading to an instant dismissal.

The New Rule and Its Implications

FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushed for the legislation after a high-profile incident in a Champions League game between Real Madrid and Benfica last season.

Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni tried to hide verbal insults towards Madrid's Vinícius Júnior.

UEFA later issued Prestianni a six-game ban – three of which were deferred – for what it described as “discriminatory (i.e. homophobic) conduct.”

The Impact on Journalism

FIFA also stripped football commentator Jorge Chipi Vera of his World Cup credentials after the journalist's expletive-laden tirade against the organisation and match officials when Almiron was sent off.

The furious broadcaster called Infantino and the referee “thieves” and accused them of “killing football”, as Paraguay were reduced to 10 men. He later apologised and said on X late on Monday that his accreditation had been cancelled.