Almiron ruled out of Australia clash as FIFA enforces new conduct protocols

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron has been handed a one-match suspension, ruling him out of the national team’s final group stage fixture against Australia. The decision follows his status as the first player sent off at the FIFA World Cup 2026 for covering his mouth during a confrontation with Turkiye’s Mert Muldur. FIFA confirmed on Tuesday that the disciplinary measure is not subject to appeal, effectively ending Almiron’s tournament participation.

The red card was issued under new regulations prohibiting players from obscuring their speech during verbal altercations. The legislation was championed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino in response to a high-profile incident during last season’s Champions League, where Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni attempted to conceal verbal insults directed at Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. While UEFA initially penalised Prestianni for discriminatory conduct, the International Football Association Board agreed in April that covering the mouth during confrontations could warrant a red card, granting competition organisers the discretion to enforce the measure.

Infantino emphasised the regulatory intent behind the sanction, describing the protocol as a matter of respect and transparency. “If you have nothing to hide, you don’t cover your mouth when you speak to somebody,” Infantino stated, noting that the rules had been clearly communicated to all participants. The regulation is not mandatory under The Laws of the Game but provides FIFA with the authority to apply stricter standards of conduct during the tournament.

In a related development, FIFA revoked the World Cup accreditation of Paraguayan journalist Jorge Chipi Vera following an expletive-laden broadcast tirade against match officials and the governing body. The commentator, who works for ABC Cardinal and ABC TV, labelled Infantino and the referee “thieves” and accused them of “killing football” during the match. FIFA’s decision bars Vera from all media participation, both inside and outside stadiums, for the duration of the event.

Vera issued a public apology, acknowledging that his frustration over Almiron’s expulsion led to unacceptable conduct. He stated that questioning refereeing decisions does not justify a loss of professional composure and accepted full responsibility for the breach. The revocation of credentials marks a rare instance of FIFA sanctioning media personnel, a precedent last set when former president Sepp Blatter barred investigative reporter Andrew Jennings following corruption allegations. Paraguay enters the final group game against Australia having lost their opening match 4-1 to the United States in Los Angeles.