FIFA's New Rule Enforced
Almirón Becomes First Player Suspended Under FIFA's New Mouth-Covering Rule
Key Points
Under FIFA's disciplinary framework, the offense is described as a breach of article 14.1.b (unsporting behaviour towards an opponent or a person other than a match official), which carries a one‑match suspension and cannot be appealed.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino emphasized the rule's importance, saying: 'This thing about covering the mouth is for us a very, very important rule,' and noting that if you have nothing to hide, you shouldn't cover your mouth when speaking to someone.
Gianluca Prestianni, whose actions helped spur the mouth-covering rule, received a six‑game ban (three suspended) for discriminatory language during a previous incident with Vinícius Júnior.
Paraguay enter their clash with Australia level on points but trailing on goal difference (-2 vs 0), making the result decisive for knockout qualification depending on how the rest of Group D unfolds.
All red cards at the World Cup trigger a one‑match suspension by default, and in Almirón's case FIFA did not extend the ban beyond a single game, meaning he could be eligible for the round of 32 if Paraguay advances.
Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón has been handed a one-match suspension for covering his mouth during a confrontation with Turkey's Mert Müldür at the 2026 World Cup, making him the first player ever punished under FIFA's new mouth-covering rule, according to Al Jazeera. FIFA confirmed the ban on June 23 and said it cannot be appealed, meaning Almirón will miss Paraguay's must-win Group D finale against Australia on June 25.
The punishment falls under Article 14.1.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code — unsporting behaviour toward an opponent — and carries a one-match ban by default, TSN reported. Paraguay sit third in Group D with 3 points, level with Australia but behind on goal difference (-2 vs. 0), so the result against the Socceroos will likely decide their knockout fate.
How the Red Card Unfolded in First-Half Stoppage Time
Referee Iván Barton issued a straight red card in the 45+3rd minute of Paraguay's 2-0 win over Turkey after Almirón covered his mouth while arguing with Müldür. Barton consulted VAR before showing the card, Fox Sports reported. Almirón was reportedly in tears after leaving the pitch and later apologized to teammates.
It was Almirón's third red card for Paraguay and the seventh of the 2026 World Cup overall. FIFA reviewed the case and confirmed a single-match ban — no more, no less. That means he is eligible to return for the round of 32 if Paraguay advance past Australia, according to The Score.
The 'Prestianni Law' and Why FIFA Created the Rule
The rule traces back to February 17, 2026, when Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni allegedly directed homophobic slurs at Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior while covering his mouth with his jersey during a UEFA Champions League match in Lisbon. The game was halted for 11 minutes. Prestianni ultimately received a six-game ban — three suspended — after a lengthy investigation that relied on player testimony rather than clear evidence.
FIFA pushed for a faster, on-field solution. On April 28, 2026, the International Football Association Board unanimously approved the new rule. It entered force on May 1. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was blunt about the logic: "If you have nothing to hide, you don't cover your mouth when you speak to somebody," he said, according to Fox Sports.
Paraguay Coach Pushes Back on Rule's Harshness
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro did not hide his frustration. "I fear we are too strict and football loses its essence," he said. "In football, there's frictions, fights, clashes." He suggested a yellow card might have been more fitting for a first offence, but acknowledged there was nothing he could do: "Unfortunately, we can't issue a new opinion on this," he added, per Al Jazeera.
Critics argue the rule punishes a gesture that players have used for decades to shield tactical instructions from cameras and lip-readers — not just to hide insults. Supporters counter that the rule's strict, no-exceptions approach is exactly the point. Australia midfielder Jackson Irvine kept it simple ahead of the upcoming match: "It's clear," he said, according to TSN.
Paraguay Must Beat Australia Without Their Best Playmaker
The Group D table heading into the final round tells a stark story. The USA have clinched first place with 6 points and a +5 goal difference. Australia sit second with 3 points and a 0 goal difference. Paraguay are third with 3 points but a -2 goal difference. Turkey are eliminated with 0 points. Paraguay almost certainly need a win, The Score reported.
Almirón is Paraguay's most creative player and was a key part of their 2-0 win over Turkey. His absence leaves a major hole in midfield. Paraguay entered the World Cup after a 4-1 opening loss to the United States, making every subsequent result critical. The June 25 match against Australia now stands as a straight playoff for a knockout spot.
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