Paraguay's Almirón first to be sent off under new FIFA rule banning covered speech

Football's governing body, FIFA, has implemented a strict new rule for the 2026 World Cup designed to curb unsportsmanlike conduct: players must not cover their mouths when speaking to opponents or referees. This regulation aims to prevent offensive, discriminatory, or abusive language that is often uttered discreetly.

Under the new rule, any player caught covering their mouth while speaking will face immediate expulsion from the match. This measure is a direct response to incidents where players have been accused of making derogatory remarks shielded from the cameras and microphones. The intention is to ensure transparency and accountability in player interactions on the field.

Paraguay's Miguel Almirón has the unfortunate distinction of being the first player to receive a red card under this new regulation. During a group stage match against Turkey, Almirón was sent off after covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent. The incident occurred in the first half of the match, which Paraguay was leading 1-0 at the time.

The decision to introduce this rule was reportedly influenced by a recent incident in the UEFA Champions League involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior. Following that event, FIFA President Gianni Infantino publicly condemned such behavior, stating that players who engage in such actions should be sent off. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) was then prompted to consider and adopt the new regulation.

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If a player makes racist remarks with their mouth covered, they should naturally be sent off. If there's nothing to hide, they don't cover their mouth when they speak.