Is FIFA's New Rule Applied Equally to All?

The 2026 World Cup is already embroiled in its first major controversy surrounding one of FIFA's new rules: will strict penalties apply to everyone, or primarily to smaller teams? Paraguay international Miguel Almirón has become the first player in history to be sent off for covering his mouth during a contentious on-field situation. The winger received a direct red card after VAR intervention in the match against Turkey, following cameras catching him speaking to an opponent with his hand over his mouth.

According to FIFA's new regulations, such an action can be penalized with a direct red card, as the organization aims to curb the possibility of concealing offensive or discriminatory remarks. However, the same action brought absolutely no sanctions for Argentina's star Lionel Messi and England's Jude Bellingham. While there might be some justification for the world champions' captain, as he was conversing with his teammate Julián Álvarez, the question remains: how can it be determined whether offensive comments were not directed at the opposing team or a specific player in that particular instance?

Even more intriguing is the fact that a similar incident, closely resembling the one that led to Almirón's dismissal, occurred in the match between England and Ghana. Jude Bellingham was also observed covering his mouth during a tense on-field discussion, yet he did not receive a red card.

This precisely raises serious questions about the application of the new rule. While Almirón became the first casualty of the new regulation, stars like Messi and Bellingham avoided penalties, inevitably sparking comments among fans. Isn't it fair that when rules exist, they should apply to everyone, rather than being enforced based on the status of the players or the teams they represent?