Jude Bellingham puts his hand over his mouth in an argument, but escapes sending off under new FIFA rules in England v Ghana
Midfielder Jude Bellingham was close to a possible expulsion during the clash between England and Ghana, last Tuesday, in Boston. The match was valid for the second round of group L of the 2026 World Cup, and the Real Madrid player was seen covering his mouth while talking to an opponent inside the area. However, the referee did not apply the punishment provided for by the recent FIFA guideline, popularly known as the Vini Junior Law, probably because the nature of their interaction did not constitute the type of “discussion” with an offensive content that the rule aims to curb, or there was no direct complaint that would trigger the immediate sanction.
In addition to the main event, Bellingham was also caught talking to Ghanaian athlete Jordan Ayew, keeping his hand over his mouth. The young 22-year-old midfielder also had a disagreement with Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz shortly before the end of the first half of the match.
Last Saturday, Paraguayan player Almirón received the first red card under the new rule, after covering his mouth while speaking to a Turkish opponent amid confusion. On that occasion, the attacking midfielder went next to his rival and made a comment with his mouth covered. Upon noticing the action, the Turkish player immediately drew the referee’s attention to what had happened.
According to FIFA’s new regulations, athletes who cover their mouth with their hand, arm or shirt during an argument with an opponent may be warned with a red card. This change was implemented following the incident involving Prestianni, from Benfica, and Vini Jr., from Real Madrid, in a Champions League game in February, in which the Brazilian athlete claimed to have been the victim of racist abuse.
In April this year, the International Football Association Board confirmed the officialization of the new standard. The measure was developed specifically to address and prevent situations such as the one carried out by Prestianni, from Benfica, during the match against Real Madrid in the Champions League, which involved Brazilian Vini Jr.
On that occasion, the Argentine player was preventively suspended by UEFA. Vini Jr. accused him of making racist insults after scoring a goal in the game played in Lisbon, which was part of the playoffs of Europe’s main club tournament. Images from the time showed Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt before Vini Jr. went to the referee to report what had happened.
