Paraguay winger became the first player sent off under new law banning players from covering their mouths while speaking to opponents
Paraguay will be without Miguel Almiron for their decisive final Group D match against Australia after Fifa imposed a one-match suspension on the winger following his dismissal in the victory over Turkey.
The ban leaves Gustavo Alfaro’s side without one of their most key players for a fixture that will determine whether they progress to the knockout stage.
Fifa confirmed on Tuesday that Almiron would serve only the automatic one-match suspension triggered by a red card and would therefore be eligible for the round of 32 should Paraguay advance.
“A one-match suspension for a breach of article 14.1.b (unsporting behaviour towards an opponent or a person other than a match official) of the Fifa Disciplinary Code,” Fifa said in a statement, adding that the decision could not be appealed.
Paraguay and Australia are level on points heading into their final group match, although Australia hold the advantage on goal difference. Paraguay’s total of minus two leaves them behind their rivals, who have a goal difference of zero.
Almiron became the first player to be sent off under football’s new law banning players from covering their mouths while speaking to opponents. The Paraguay midfielder was dismissed during first-half stoppage time of Friday’s 1-0 win over Turkey after appearing to address Turkey defender Mert Muldur while covering his mouth with his hand.
Referee Ivan Barton issued the red card following a VAR review, making Almiron the first player sanctioned under the law introduced by the International Football Association Board in April.
The rule change followed an incident during a Champions League match in February involving Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. Vinicius alleged that Prestianni had racially abused him while speaking with his mouth covered by his shirt.
Prestianni denied the allegation and it was impossible to determine what he did or did not say. He was later handed a six-match suspension for homophobic conduct, with three matches suspended.
