Bellingham avoids red card as FIFA mouth rule sparks debate

England midfielder Jude Bellingham was at the center of a refereeing controversy during his team's 0-0 World Cup draw with Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, after he was seen covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent but avoided a red card. The incident has sparked debate over the application of a new tournament rule and accusations of inconsistent officiating.

The controversy stems from a new regulation, championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, that allows officials to dismiss players who conceal their mouths during confrontations with opponents. The rule was introduced after an incident in a Champions League match last February, where Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni received a six-match ban from UEFA for homophobic conduct toward Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. The first enforcement occurred days earlier when Paraguay's Miguel Almiron was sent off after covering his mouth during a heated exchange with Turkey's Mert Muldur. Almiron later received a one-match suspension.

Bellingham's incident happened late in the first half. After escaping a yellow card for a barge on Ghana defender Jerome Opoku, Bellingham was approached by Ghana forward Jordan Ayew. Photographs...