Paraguay demand Jude Bellingham ban after England star broke FIFA World Cup rule

Paraguay demand Jude Bellingham ban after England star broke FIFA World Cup rule Paraguay have lodged an official protest with FIFA against England midfielder Jude Bellingham following the goalless draw against Ghana at the World Cup . According to The Sun , they claim that Bellingham should have been sent off during the match for breaking one of FIFA’s new rules that have already caught a player off guard. During a conversation on the pitch, Bellingham briefly covered his mouth with his hand while speaking to Ghana captain Jordan Ayew.  The pair appeared relaxed throughout the exchange and later embraced, with no visible signs of tension or disagreement. Despite the seemingly harmless interaction, Paraguay believe the situation should have been investigated under the tournament’s recently introduced anti-discrimination regulations, commonly referred to as the “Vinicius Law.”  The South American nation submitted its complaint within the official 48-hour period allowed under FIFA tournament rules. Paraguay’s argument is based on a separate incident involving Miguel Almiron.  The former Newcastle United winger received a red card and a subsequent one-match suspension after being accused of racially abusing Turkish player Mert Mulder during a confrontation.  Paraguayan officials are now questioning why similar action was not taken against Bellingham. However, the circumstances surrounding the two incidents appear significantly different. Before the World Cup began, FIFA’s refereeing chief, Pierluigi Collina, clarified how officials would interpret the new regulations.  He explained that players are still permitted to cover their mouths while speaking on the pitch, particularly during normal conversations with friends, teammates from club football, or familiar opponents. Collina stressed that the key factor is the nature of the conversation itself.  According to FIFA’s guidance, covering the mouth only becomes a disciplinary issue when it is linked to a confrontational exchange or behaviour that officials believe is inappropriate.  In such cases, a red card can be issued. That distinction is likely to weaken Paraguay’s case.  There has been no suggestion from match officials, FIFA, or either player that the conversation between Bellingham and Ayew involved any form of abuse, misconduct, or confrontation.  The interaction attracted no attention from referee Said Martinez of Honduras, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) also saw no reason to intervene.