Paraguayan footballer Miguel Almirón became the first player to be sent off under a new FIFA rule designed to combat racist abuse during a match against Turkey. The incident occurred during stoppage time of the first half when Almirón covered his mouth with his hand while speaking to a Turkish player, Mert Muldur, following a dispute. The rule was implemented after accusations of racist remarks made by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni towards Vinicius Jr. in a Champions League match earlier this year. Following a VAR review, the referee issued a direct red card to Almirón, leaving Paraguay with ten players. The new regulation aims to penalize players who attempt to conceal potentially offensive language directed at opponents. The match was part of a Group D fixture, with Paraguay leading 1-0 at the time of the expulsion. This marks a significant early test of the rule’s application in international competition.