Jude Bellingham, England midfielder, raised questions when he covered his mouth during the goalless draw between England and Ghana, in the World Cup, last Tuesday (24). The action raised doubts about a possible expulsion under the so-called “Lei Vini Jr.”, but the context of the situation explains the arbitration decision.
A new FIFA guideline establishes punishments for athletes who cover their mouths in moments of conflict, discussion or provocation on the field. The main objective is to make it difficult for cameras and referees to identify any verbal offenses.
However, the simple act of covering your mouth does not result in immediate expulsion. In the episode involving Bellingham, the interaction with Jordan Ayew was not characterized as an instant of conflict or altercation. For this reason, the England player was not penalized with a red card.
The application of the rule directly depends on the use of the gesture. A clear example is Miguel Almirón, from Paraguay, who was sent off in a match against Turkey. The player covered his mouth as he addressed an opponent during a heated argument, with the move being reviewed by VAR before a straight red card was issued.
In the 48th minute of the 1st half – direct red card for Almirón from Paraguay against Turkey
Almirón’s exclusion due to discussion
The controversy surrounding Bellingham’s action gained strength because, days earlier, Miguel Almirón became the first athlete to be punished under the guideline known as “Lei Vini Jr.” in this edition of the World Cup. He was sent off during Paraguay’s 1-0 victory over Turkey after covering his mouth during an argument with an opponent. The striker received a one-game suspension from FIFA, missing the Paraguayan team in the final round of the group stage.
The incident with Almirón served as a parameter for the interpretation of the new rule, as the penalty was applied in a scenario of explicit confrontation, unlike what happened with Bellingham in his conversation with the Ghanaian player. This distinction is crucial to understanding the different decisions on the field.