Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron became the first player dismissed under FIFA’s new rule against covering the mouth during confrontations, shown a red card in the 1-0 win over Turkey in San Francisco.
The 32‑year‑old obscured his mouth while speaking to Mert Muldur, who alerted officials. After VAR review, referee Ivan Barton sent him off just before half-time.
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Despite being reduced to ten men, Paraguay held their lead and now need victory over Australia on Friday to reach the last 32.
The law, introduced by the International Football Association Board in April, presumes players may be hiding inappropriate remarks. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had urged referees to enforce it strictly.
