England midfielder Jude Bellingham was at the center of fresh World Cup controversy during Tuesday’s goalless draw with Ghana after television cameras captured him covering his mouth while speaking to Ghana captain Jordan Ayew. With FIFA’s new mouth-covering rules already resulting in the first red card of this World Cup, many viewers are questioning why the England star escaped punishment.The incident occurred during England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston, a match that left the Group L sides well-balanced heading into the final round of matches.Bellingham’s interaction with Ayew quickly attracted attention as FIFA introduced a new rule ahead of the 2026 World Cup that would allow players to cover their mouths when confronting opponents or be sent off.However, the key word in law is confrontation.
What does FIFA’s new mouth covering rule actually say?
The rules were introduced after FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushed for stricter measures following an incident involving Benfica winger Gianluca Prestani. Prestani was banned for six games by UEFA for homophobic behavior toward Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior during a Champions League match earlier this year.On the eve of the World Cup, FIFA chief referee Pierluigi Collina made it clear that covering the mouth is not prohibited per se.“Players can continue to cover their mouths with their arms and shirts because they may be talking to their friends,” Collina explained before the game.“It’s normal to chat before, during or after the game.“So if the conversation is a friendly one, they can continue without any problem.“When the conversation is confrontational, covering your mouth means you may have done something very wrong, and sanctions are a red card.”That distinction ultimately proved crucial to Bellingham’s case.
Why Bellingham wasn’t punished
Although photos of the England midfielder speaking to Ayew were widely circulated, there was no suggestion the exchange was hostile or confrontational.Sources told ESPN that Bellingham’s discussion with the Ghana captain was not considered offensive, meaning the incident did not meet the threshold for disciplinary action under FIFA’s new rules.Their mouths often pop up in conversations between players, coaches and even substitute referees throughout the game. FIFA is particularly concerned about situations involving arguments, confrontations or potentially abusive language.Therefore, both the referee Hector Said Martinez Sorto and the video assistant referee believed that the incident was worth reviewing.
What a difference Miguel Almiron’s red card makes
The most common comparison is with Paraguay striker Miguel Almiron, who became the first player in World Cup history to be sent off under the new rules.Almiron was sent off during Paraguay’s Group D match against Turkey after a violent clash with Turkish defender Mert Myrdur.The incident occurred after Paraguay’s Isidro Pita fell under a challenge from Ismail Jukesek, sparking a scuffle between players from both sides. During the confrontation, Almiron covered his mouth while speaking to Mildur.After a VAR review, officials deemed the situation to be confrontational and issued a red card.Following that incident, Infantino gave a speech reinforcing FIFA’s stance.“Covering your mouth is a very, very important rule for us,” he said.“It’s about respect. It’s about the example we should be setting.“If you have nothing to hide, you don’t cover your mouth when you’re talking to someone.“The rules have been made clear to everyone.”
Bellingham also clashed with Ghana bench
While the conversation with Ayew was deemed harmless, Bellingham was involved in a separate flashpoint incident during the game, which began at half-time and continued into the second half.The Real Madrid midfielder got into a heated, foul-mouthed altercation with members of Ghana’s coaching staff, including head coach Carlos Queiroz and assistant John Petterhill, after a strong challenge on Ghana defender Jerome Opoku. The reckless tackle initially broke out at half-time, with both substitutes reacting angrily, before tensions boiled over as the game continued.Speaking after the game, Bellingham admitted he had mistimed the tackle but insisted the disagreement stemmed from the competitive nature of the game.“To be honest, I made a stupid tackle. I was trying to win the ball, I followed up a little bit and caught the lad and then I spoke to him and then their substitute jumped up and tried to give me a yellow card,” Bellingham said.“So, yeah, I think their manager, I just recognized him, is obviously the guy who used to play at Manchester United [Carlos Queiroz]a huge respect for both of us and nothing but a competitive advantage. “
