Jude Bellingham sparks confusion over new FIFA rule during England’s World Cup draw/Image: X
England midfielder Jude Bellingham became the focus of a new World Cup controversy during the goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday after television cameras caught him covering his mouth while speaking to Ghana captain Jordan Ayew.
Although FIFA’s new rule regarding covering the mouth had already led to the first red card of the tournament, many viewers wondered why the England star had escaped punishment.The incident occurred during England’s frustrating 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston, a result that left Group L well balanced heading into the final round of matches.Bellingham’s interaction with Ayew quickly attracted attention because FIFA introduced a new regulation ahead of the 2026 World Cup allowing players to be sent off if they cover their mouths while facing off against opponents.But the key word in the law is confrontation.
What does FIFA’s new mouth covering rule say?
The rule was introduced after FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushed for tougher measures following an incident involving Benfica winger Gianluca Pristiani, who received a six-match ban from UEFA for homophobic behavior towards Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior during a Champions League match earlier this year.Before the start of the World Cup, the head of FIFA referees, Pierluigi Collina, clarified that covering the mouth in itself is not prohibited.
“Players can continue to cover their mouths with their arm and shirt because they may be talking with friends,” Collina explained before the tournament.“It’s normal for us to talk before, during or after the match.“So if the conversation is a friendly conversation, they can continue to do it without any problem.“When a conversation is confrontational, covering your mouth means you are doing something very wrong, and the penalty will likely be a red card.”
This distinction ultimately proved crucial in the Bellingham case.
Why wasn’t Bellingham punished?
Although pictures of the England midfielder speaking to Ayew were widely circulated, there was no suggestion that the conversation was hostile or confrontational.Sources told ESPN that Bellingham’s discussion with the Ghana captain was not considered aggressive, meaning the incident did not rise to the level required for disciplinary action under FIFA’s new regulations.Players, coaches and even referees were regularly seen covering their mouths during conversations throughout the tournament. FIFA is particularly concerned with situations involving arguments, confrontations or potentially offensive language.As a result, neither referee Hector Said Martinez Sorto nor the VAR deemed the incident worthy of review.
How Miguel Almiron’s red card was different
The most common comparison involved Paraguay striker Miguel Almiron, who became the first player in World Cup history to be sent off under the new rule.Almiron was sent off during Paraguay’s Group D match against Türkiye after a heated confrontation between Turkish defender Mert Muldur.The incident occurred after Paraguayan player Isidro Pita fell after a challenge from Ismael Yuksic, which led to a quarrel between the two groups of players. During the confrontation, Almiron covered his mouth while speaking to Muldor.After a VAR review, officials deemed the situation to be confrontational and issued a red card.Speaking after that incident, Infantino reinforced FIFA’s position.“This thing about covering the mouth is a very important rule for us,” he said.“It’s about respect. It’s about the example we have to set.“If you have nothing to hide, don’t cover your mouth when you talk to someone.“The rules have been made clear to everyone.”
Bellingham also addresses the clash with Ghana’s bench
While the conversation with Ayew was deemed harmless, Bellingham was involved in a separate flashpoint during the game that began in the first half and continued into the second half.The Real Madrid midfielder entered into a heated verbal argument with members of the Ghanaian technical staff, including technical director Carlos Queiroz and his assistant John Paintsil, after a strong challenge with Ghanaian defender Jerome Opoku. The confrontation initially broke out at half-time after a reckless tackle, with tensions running rampant as both benches reacted angrily before continuing throughout the game.
Speaking afterwards, Bellingham admitted he had mistimed the tackle but insisted the dispute stemmed from the competitive nature of the match.“I made a silly tackle to be honest,” Bellingham said. “I was trying to win the ball and I followed through a little bit and caught the lad, spoke to him afterwards and then he jumped off the bench trying to get a yellow card.”
“So, yeah I think their manager, I just got to know him, he was obviously the guy who used to be at Manchester United [Carlos Queiroz]”Very much respect and nothing but a competitive advantage for both of us.”