Paraguay have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA after Jude Bellingham escaped a red card for covering his mouth while talking to an opponent. Paraguay star Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off for attacking during his country’s narrow World Cup win over Turkey. Ahead of the tournament, FIFA confirmed the act was an instant red card violation.
This comes after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestiani was suspended for six games for a homophobic rant he directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior while covering his mouth. However, during England’s goalless draw with Ghana in Group L, Bellingham was seen covering his mouth while exchanging words with Ghanaian forward Jordan Ayew. The England star avoided punishment and remained on the pitch for 73 minutes, infuriating Paraguay.
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported that the Paraguayan Football Association has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, arguing that the rule is not being enforced consistently and equally across all competing nations. The rules state that a player who covers his mouth when confronting an opponent will receive an immediate red card.
It is understood that Bellingham’s actions were not deemed to be confrontational in nature so he was allowed to continue playing. FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently addressed Almiron’s red card publicly and reaffirmed his full support for the rule.
He said: “Covering your mouth is a very important rule for us. It’s about respect, it’s about the example we should set. If you have nothing to hide, you shouldn’t cover your mouth when you’re talking to someone. The rules are made very clear for everyone.”
At the time of Almiron’s dismissal, FIFA made this decision clear in an official statement: “Following a VAR test during the FIFA World Cup match between Torquier 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 for implementation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These included a red card being awarded if a player is seen covering his mouth in a confrontation situation with an opponent at the tournament.”
Almiron could be suspended for Paraguay’s final group stage game against Australia. If they fail to pick up a point, the South American nation could face early elimination, with Almiron’s red card meaning his final contribution to the competition.
Paraguayan commentator Jorge Vera was furious at the ruling. In a live broadcast, he branded Infantino and referee Ivan Barton “thieves” and accused them of “killing football”. This outrage led to FIFA revoking his World Cup certification.
