Almiron sent off for breaking new FIFA World Cup rule before bust-up | Football | Sport
In April, football’s governing body confirmed the IFAB unanimously approved red cards for players covering their mouths to conceal what they said. It was introduced as a means of preventing discriminatory and inappropriate behaviour. While representing Paraguay, Almiron saw red after a VAR check saw him confront a Turkish player with his hand over his mouth. El Salvadoran referee Iván Barton sent him off after consulting the monitor which invoked fury from the Paraguay bench.
Almiron was arguing with Mert Muldur at the time he put his hand to his mouth. It’s a red card which could very well end the forward’s tournament. The importance of the decision was emphasised by the furious reaction of his team-mates and coaches.
The coaches all leapt to their feet and argued with the fourth official and referee, while the Paraguayan players physically clashed with the Turkish during a huge pushing and shoving match in the middle of the pitch.
He will be suspended for at least one match which is the potentially pivotal clash with Australia on June 26th. If his country are unable to navigate their way out of Group D, his red card will be his final act in the competition.
Paraguay may try and appeal to get the red card overturned, but FIFA’s explanation of this rule leaves little room for interpretation. It states: “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.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino made a huge point of introducing this rule and announcing it to the world. When it was passed, he posted on Instagram: “At a Special Meeting of The International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Vancouver, some key decisions were taken to protect the integrity of our game and ensure mutual respect continues to govern football at all levels.
“We unanimously agreed that 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. Further, at the discretion of the competition organiser, the referee may sanction with a red card any player who leaves the field of play in protest at a referee’s decision.
“This new rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play. I thank all stakeholders for your time, valuable inputs and alignment on these important matters which have been managed in a consultation process led by FIFA.
“These amendments will be implemented at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 and all other competition organisers will be able to decide whether to implement the changes before they enter into force on 1 July 2026.”
