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Paraguayan Player Almirón Becomes First World Cup Expulsion for Covering Mouth During Rival Exchange
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

Paraguayan Player Almirón Becomes First World Cup Expulsion for Covering Mouth During Rival Exchange

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Paraguayan player Miguel Almirón received a historic red card in the 45+3 minute of a match against Turkey.
  • The expulsion was for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent, a violation of FIFA's 'Prestianni Law'.
  • This marks the first time this specific rule, aimed at preventing unsportsmanlike conduct, has been enforced at a World Cup.

In a historic first for the World Cup, Paraguayan forward Miguel Almirón was sent off in first-half stoppage time during his team's match against Turkey. The Atlanta United player received a red card in the 45+3 minute for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent, a move that directly contravenes the recently implemented 'Prestianni Law'.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) alerted El Salvadoran referee Iván Barton to the incident. Barton subsequently showed Almirón the red card, explaining to those present that the player "covered his mouth" after a confrontation. This decision marks the inaugural application of the new FIFA rule designed to curb taunting, offensive language, or unsportsmanlike gestures directed at opponents or officials.

The incident occurred following a scuffle during the second group stage match. Almirón appeared to say something to Turkish right-back Mert Müldür and then covered his mouth. Turkish players quickly signaled for a VAR review.

This new regulation was introduced ahead of the 2026 World Cup following a controversial exchange between Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior during a Champions League match. The rule specifically targets actions intended to mock, insult, or demean others on the field.

After the review, Paraguay's number 10 covered his mouth. Final decision, red card.

— Iván BartonThe referee explaining his decision to issue a red card to Miguel Almirón.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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