A historic first at the World Cup is already generating huge debate. During the match between Turkey and Paraguay, Miguel Almiron became the first player in World Cup history to be sent off for violating FIFA’s new rule regarding hidden conversations on the pitch.
In a landmark decision, FIFA enforced the regulation for the very first time. The Paraguayan attacking midfielder was shown a red card just before halftime after exchanging words with Turkish defender Mert Müldür while covering his mouth with his hand. The gesture is now prohibited under the new guidelines introduced for the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA Enforces New Transparency Rule
With Paraguay leading 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Matías Galarza, referee Ivan Barton initially awarded a foul to the South American side before being called to the VAR monitor. After reviewing the footage, the Salvadoran official made his decision without hesitation and issued a straight red card to Almiron in the third minute of stoppage time before the break.
Replays confirmed that the former Newcastle player deliberately covered his lips while speaking to Müldür. Under the new FIFA regulations, such behavior now results in immediate dismissal as part of an effort to promote greater transparency during on-field exchanges.
Miguel Almiron becomes the first player at the World Cup to be sent off for covering his mouth when saying something to an opponent 🟥
The new rule was introduced by FIFA to help combat incidents of racism on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/sp3WXPSSlA
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 20, 2026
The rule was introduced following several recent controversies, including an incident involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Jr. during a Benfica–Real Madrid match. Miguel Almiron will now go down in history as the first player to be punished under this groundbreaking FIFA measure.
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