New Red Card Law Sparks Controversy After Miguel Almiron Becomes First Dismissed

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron made football history for the wrong reason at the 2026 World Cup on Saturday, June 20, when he became the first player sent off under the so-called “Priestiani law.” He was punished for covering his mouth with his hand while speaking to an opposing player during Paraguay’s win over Turkey.

It was the second time in this World Cup that Almiron had been at the center of a disciplinary controversy. In the match against the United States, he initially received a yellow card, but VAR corrected it after a mistaken identification. This time, the dismissal stood, and Almiron again entered the record books in an unwelcome way.

Wayne Rooney said the situation was difficult and suggested Almiron probably did not know the rule. “The emotions took over him, but those guilty feelings will stay with him,” Rooney said. He added that players could fall victim to FIFA because they cover their mouths while trying to pass tactical instructions to opponents, and he would not be surprised if the rule ends up affecting coaches as well.

In Turkey, it was claimed that the players on the pitch drew referee Ivan Barton’s attention. Unlike Rooney’s assumption, the Turkish side said the exchange was between Almiron and a rival player, not a coach. “It is not clear what he said to Mert Muldur at that stage,” the report said. Zlatan Ibrahimovic also commented, saying Turkey failed to take its chances. “I expected them to be more dangerous and better, but Paraguay were lucky,” he said.