In a second-round FIFA World Cup group stage match between Turkey and Paraguay, Paraguay were leading 1–0 when a controversial incident involving Miguel Almirón changed the tone of the game.

Just before the end of the first half, Almirón was seen communicating with a teammate while covering his mouth during an on-field confrontation. After a VAR review, the referee issued a red card, making him the first player reportedly punished under a newly introduced FIFA regulation.

The rule, approved in late April, allows match officials—at the discretion of tournament organizers—to sanction players who cover their mouths during confrontational exchanges with opponents, particularly in situations where communication could be misinterpreted or linked to misconduct.

The incident immediately drew comparisons to a recent UEFA Champions League controversy involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, where a similar “hand-to-mouth” exchange led to accusations of discriminatory remarks. In that case, Prestianni was later suspended, sparking widespread debate.

Almirón’s dismissal has now intensified discussions around the interpretation and enforcement of the new rule, with many questioning its clarity and consistency in high-pressure matches.