England midfielder Jude Bellingham became the center of fresh World Cup controversy during Tuesday’s goalless draw with Ghana after television cameras caught him covering his mouth while talking to Ghana captain Jordan Ayew. With FIFA’s new gagging rule having already produced the first red card of the tournament, many viewers have questioned why the England star escaped punishment.The incident happened during England’s frustrating 0-0 draw against Ghana in Boston, a result that left Group L finely balanced going into the final match.Bellingham’s interaction with Ayew quickly drew attention because FIFA introduced a new regulation ahead of the 2026 World Cup that allows players to be sent off if they cover their mouths while tackling opponents.However, the key word in the law is confrontation.
What does FIFA’s new gagging rule actually say?
The rule was introduced after FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushed for stricter measures following an incident involving Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who received a six-match ban from UEFA for homophobic behavior towards Real Madrid forward VinÃcius Júnior during a Champions League match earlier this year.Before the World Cup, the head of FIFA referees, Pierluigi Collina, made it clear that covering the mouth itself was not prohibited.“Players can continue to cover their mouths with an arm and shirt because they can chat with friends,” Collina explained before the tournament.“It’s normal to chat before, during or after the match.“So if the conversation is a friendly conversation, they can continue to do so without any problem.“When the conversation is confrontational, covering your mouth means you are doing something very wrong, potentially, and the sanction is the red card.”This distinction was ultimately crucial in the Bellingham case.
Because Bellingham was not punished
Although images of the England midfielder speaking to Ayew circulated widely, there was no indication that the exchange was hostile or confrontational.Sources told ESPN that Bellingham’s discussion with the Ghana captain was not considered aggressive, meaning the incident did not meet the threshold required for disciplinary action under new FIFA regulations.Players, coaches and even referees were regularly seen covering their mouths during conversations throughout the tournament. FIFA’s concern is specifically focused on situations involving arguments, clashes or potentially abusive language.As a result, neither the referee Hector Said Martinez Sorto nor the video assistant referee considered the incident worthy of review.
How Miguel Almirón’s red card was different
The most frequent comparison involved Paraguay forward Miguel Almirón, who became the first player in World Cup history to be sent off under the new rule.Almirón was dismissed during Paraguay’s Group D clash against Türkiye after a heated clash involving Turkish defender Mert Müldür.The incident occurred after Paraguay’s Isidro Pitta went down following a challenge from Ismail Yüksek, which sparked a melee between the two groups of players. During the confrontation, Almirón covered his mouth while speaking to Müldür.After a VAR review, the officials considered the match situation and issued a red card.Speaking after that incident, Infantino reinforced FIFA’s position.“This thing about covering the mouth is for us a very, very important rule,” 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 very clear for everyone.”
Bellingham also faces the clash with the bank of Ghana
While the conversation with Ayew was deemed harmless, Bellingham was involved in a separate flashpoint during the match that started at halftime and carried into the second half.The Real Madrid midfielder got into a heated and nasty exchange with members of Ghana’s coaching staff, including manager Carlos Queiroz and assistant John Paintsil, after a strong challenge on Ghana defender Jerome Opoku. The confrontation initially erupted at half-time following the reckless tackle, with tensions flaring as both benches reacted angrily before continuing throughout the match.Speaking afterwards, Bellingham admitted he had botched the tackle but insisted the disagreement stemmed from the competitive nature of the match.“I made a stupid tackle to be honest. I was trying to win the ball and I followed a bit and caught the kid, I spoke to him afterwards, and then his bench was jumping to try and get a yellow card,” Bellingham said.“So yes, I think his manager, I just recognized him, was obviously the one who was at Manchester United. [Carlos Queiroz]such great respect and nothing but a competitive advantage for both of us.”