World Cup Nation Submit Complaint to FIFA After Controversy in England vs Ghana

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A World Cup nation has submitted an official complaint to FIFA following a controversial moment during the match between England and Ghana.

Both nations began their campaign with a victory, with England beating Croatia 4-2 and Ghana defeating Panama 1-0.

The Three Lions went into the match at Boston Stadium as the heavy favourites to pick up all three points and seal top spot in Group L.

However, they could not break Ghana down, with Carlos Quieroz's side producing a defensive masterclass. Neither side found the back of the net as the spoils were shared.

FIFA introduced a new law for the 2026 World Cup whereby players can be shown a red card for covering their mouth during confrontations. The measure was brought in after Gianluca Prestianni was given a six-match ban for racist language directed at Vinicius Junior during a Champions League tie between Benfica and Real Madrid in February.

During Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey earlier this week, Miguel Almiron became the first player to be shown a red card for covering his mouth during a confrontation.

The decision sparked outrage in Paraguay, with one commentator even being banned by FIFA after he unleashed an extraordinary rant.

Jude Bellingham also covered his mouth while speaking to Jordan Ayew in the match between England and Ghana. However, unlike Almiron, he was not shown a red card because the exchange was not deemed confrontational.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the apparent inconsistency has not gone down well at all in Paraguay. They claim that the Paraguayan Football Association has filed an official protest with FIFA, arguing that the new regulation is not being enforced equally across all teams.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino spoke out after Almiron's red card. He told SNTV, per the BBC: "This thing about covering the mouth is for us a very, very important rule.

"It's about respect. It's about the example that we should give. If you have nothing to hide, you don't cover your mouth when you speak to somebody. The rules have been made very clear to everyone."

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FIFA also explained the red card in a statement, which read: "Following a VAR review in the FIFA World Cup match between Türkiye and Paraguay, Miguel Almiron was shown a red card for covering his mouth.

"Following a special meeting of The IFAB held in April, a number of amendments were introduced to be implemented at the FIFA World Cup 2026. This included a red card for any player in the tournament seen covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent."

Almiron has been given a one-match ban for his red card, meaning he will miss their final group match against Australia. A draw should be enough for Paraguay to progress to the last 32.