Paraguay have formally complained to FIFA after England midfielder Jude Bellingham avoided a red card during his side’s goalless World Cup Group L draw against Ghana.
The controversy centres on a newly introduced FIFA rule that punishes players for covering their mouths while speaking to opponents in confrontational situations.
Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off under the regulation during his country’s victory over Turkey, prompting outrage after Bellingham was seen covering his mouth while talking to Ghana striker Jordan Ayew but was not sanctioned.
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the Paraguayan Football Association has lodged an official protest with FIFA, claiming the rule is being applied inconsistently across teams participating in the tournament.
Before the World Cup, FIFA announced that covering the mouth while confronting an opponent would result in an immediate dismissal.
The regulation was introduced after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni received a six-match suspension for directing homophobic abuse at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr while concealing his mouth.
Despite the footage involving Bellingham, FIFA officials reportedly determined that his interaction with Ayew was not confrontational, allowing the England international to remain on the field until he was substituted in the 73rd minute.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently defended the regulation while commenting on Almiron’s dismissal.
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.”
Following Almiron’s red card, FIFA also clarified the law in an official statement.
It 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 will miss Paraguay’s final group-stage match against Australia due to suspension. Paraguay risk an early exit from the tournament if they fail to secure at least a point, meaning the midfielder’s dismissal could prove to be his final appearance at the competition.
The incident has also sparked strong reactions in Paraguay. During a live broadcast, commentator Jorge Vera criticised the decision, describing Infantino and referee Ivan Barton as “thieves” and accusing them of “killing football”. FIFA subsequently withdrew his World Cup accreditation.
