Paraguay Midfielder Suspended for Mouth-Covering; Reporter Loses World Cup Credentials

FIFA confirmed on June 24 that Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron will serve a one-match suspension after becoming the first player to receive a red card at the 2026 World Cup for covering his mouth during an argument. As a result, Almiron will miss Paraguay's final group-stage match against Australia on June 26. FIFA stated that the decision is not subject to appeal.

Almiron was sent off in the first half of Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey on June 20 after covering his mouth while confronting defender Mert Muldur. The action violated a new FIFA regulation that prohibits players from covering their mouths to conceal what they say during disputes; the offense results in an immediate red card.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed support for the new rule. In an interview with SNTV on June 24, Infantino said: 'Covering the mouth is a very important rule. It is about respect and the example we should set. If you have nothing to hide, you do not cover your mouth when speaking to someone. The rules were clearly communicated to everyone; everyone knows them, and this is an important element.'

The regulation was introduced after an incident in last season's Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica. Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni attempted to conceal insults directed at Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior. UEFA subsequently suspended Prestianni for six matches (three suspended) for 'discriminatory conduct (specifically homophobic behavior).'

In April, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the laws of the game, agreed that players could be sent off for covering their mouths during verbal confrontations with other players. While not mandatory in the Laws of the Game, the rule allows tournament organizers such as FIFA to adopt it at their discretion.

Reporter's accreditation revoked

On the same day, FIFA revoked the World Cup accreditation of commentator Jorge Chipi Vera, who had used abusive language to criticize both the organization and the referee after Almiron's dismissal. In a wave of frustration, Vera called Infantino and the referee 'thieves' and accused them of 'killing football' when Paraguay was reduced to ten men.

Vera later apologized and announced on social media platform X on June 23 that his accreditation had been canceled. 'While commentating on the match between Paraguay and Turkey, I lost control,' Vera wrote in a lengthy apology. 'In my frustration over my country's player being sent off and feeling the national team was harmed, I used insulting and unacceptable words directed at the referee, FIFA, and officials.'

Vera said the penalty prevented him from participating in the World Cup broadcast of the media outlet he works for, 'whether inside or outside the stadium,' and that it applied to 'any form of participation or coverage related to the World Cup.' FIFA has not made any public statement on the matter, but such bans on journalists are rare. Under former president Sepp Blatter, freelance investigative reporter Andrew Jennings was barred from all FIFA events after making corruption allegations, many of which were later confirmed by U.S. courts.

Vera, currently working for ABC Cardinal and ABC TV, also apologized to sponsors and said he had sent a letter of apology to FIFA, accepting full responsibility. 'Questioning a rule or disagreeing with a referee's decision never justifies losing control as I did,' he added. 'I failed in what is essential: maintaining the composure and respect that this profession demands.'