England in World Cup row as rivals complain to FIFA about Jude Bellingham | Football | Sport
Paraguay have lodged an official complaint with FIFA after Jude Bellingham escaped a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent. Paraguayan star Miguel Almiron became the first player ever to be sent off for the offence during his nation’s narrow win over Turkey at the World Cup. Ahead of the tournament, FIFA confirmed that the act is now a straight red card offence.
It came after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni received a six-match ban for homophobic abuse directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr while hiding his mouth. Yet during England‘s goalless Group L draw with Ghana, Bellingham was spotted covering his mouth while exchanging words with Ghana forward Jordan Ayew. The England star escaped punishment and remained on the pitch to play for 73 minutes, leaving Paraguay incensed.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that the Paraguayan Football Association has submitted a formal protest to FIFA, arguing that the rule has not been enforced consistently and equally across all competing nations. The rules stipulate that any player covering their mouths while confronting an opponent shall receive an immediate red card.
It is understood Bellingham was allowed to continue playing as his actions were not considered confrontational in nature. FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently publicly addressed Almiron’s red card, reaffirming his wholehearted backing for the rule.
He said: “This thing about covering the mouth is for us a very, very important rule. It’s about respect. It’s about the example that we should give. If you have nothing to hide, you don’t cover your mouth when you speak to somebody. The rules have been made very clear to everyone.”
When Almiron was dismissed, FIFA clarified the ruling in an official statement which read: “Following a VAR review in the FIFA World Cup match between Turkiye and Paraguay, Miguel Almiron was shown a red card for covering his mouth.
“Following a special meeting of The IFAB held in April, a number of amendments were introduced to be implemented at the FIFA World Cup 2026. This included a red card for any player in the tournament seen covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent.”
Almiron faces a suspension for Paraguay’s concluding group stage fixture against Australia. Should they fail to secure a point, the South American nation could face an early exit from the tournament, which would mean Almiron’s red card marked his last contribution to the competition.
Paraguayan commentator Jorge Vera was left incensed by the ruling. Broadcasting live, he branded Infantino and referee Ivan Barton as “thieves” and accused them of “killing football” – an outburst that prompted FIFA to revoke his World Cup accreditation.
