The Paraguayan Football Association has decided to file an official complaint to FIFA after the newly introduced “Vinicius Law” was not applied to England’s star Jude Bellingham during their 2026 World Cup match against Ghana.
Starting from the ongoing World Cup, FIFA implemented a strict new regulation—dubbed the “Vinicius Law”—which bans players from covering their mouths while speaking to opponents. Violating this rule results in an immediate red card.
Paraguay became the very first victim of this law when Miguel Almirón was sent off during their match against Turkey for covering his mouth while talking to an opposing player, an encounter the South American side ultimately won 1-0.
The Bellingham Controversy: Double Standards?
However, drama erupted during the England vs. Ghana fixture when Jude Bellingham was clearly spotted covering his mouth while speaking with Ghana’s Jordan Ayew. The match referee failed to brandish a red card, sparking outrage in Paraguay over what is perceived as a blatant double standard in enforcing the new rule.
Paraguay’s official appeal to FIFA aims to either overturn Almirón’s suspension or ensure Bellingham receives the same retrospective punishment.
Referee Discretion and the Origins of the Rule
Meanwhile, British media outlets argued that Bellingham and Ayew were engaged in a friendly conversation, which might explain why the referee chose to overlook it. However, the current wording of the law does not distinguish between friendly and hostile interactions, ultimately leaving the final decision to the referee’s discretion.
This rule was fast-tracked by FIFA following claims made by Vinicius Junior, who alleged he was racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni during a UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica. The allegations could not be definitively proven because the Argentine player covered his mouth during the altercation at the Estádio da Luz.
