Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron has become the first player sent off at the World Cup under a controversial new regulation prohibiting players from covering their mouths. The ejection occurred during first-half stoppage time in a Group D match against Turkey following a verbal exchange with Mert Mulder.
Referee Ivan Barton issued the red card after video review confirmed Almiron obscured his mouth while speaking. FIFA President Gianni Infantino championed this rule to prevent hidden verbal abuse, citing previous incidents involving Vinícius Júnior. Despite playing a man down for the entire second half, Paraguay secured a 1-0 victory.
Head Coach Gustavo Alfaro acknowledged the team was aware of the mandate but expressed concern that such strict enforcement risks stripping football of its natural competitive essence. Almiron apologized to his teammates and will miss the decisive group stage match against Australia. This marks his second disciplinary action under new protocols this tournament, following a yellow card for diving against the United States.