England midfielder Jude Bellingham became the center of fresh World Cup controversy on Tuesday during their goalless draw with Ghana when television cameras caught him gagging while talking to Ghana captain Jordan Ayew. With FIFA’s new mouth-covering rule having already produced the first red card of the tournament, many observers are questioning why the England star escaped punishment.This came as England drew 0-0 against Ghana in Boston, qualifying Group L for a place in the quarter-finals.Bellingham’s association with Ayew drew attention as FIFA introduced a new rule ahead of the 2026 World Cup allowing players to be sent off if they shut their mouths in opposition.However, the key word in law is dispute.
What exactly does FIFA’s new gag order actually say?
The law was introduced after FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushed for tougher action following Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni’s six-match UEFA ban for homophobic abuse of Real Madrid player VinÃcius Júnior during a Champions League match earlier this year.Before the World Cup, FIFA president Pierluigi Collina made it clear that gagging is not prohibited.“Players can continue to cover their mouths with their arms and shirts because they can chat with their friends,” said Collina before the start of the tournament.“It’s not unusual to chat before, during or after a game.“So if the discussion is friendly, they can continue to do so without any problem.“When talking and arguing, keeping your mouth shut means you’re doing something very wrong, maybe, and the punishment is a red card.”This distinction became particularly important in the case of Bellingham.
Why wasn’t Bellingham punished
Although footage of the England midfielder talking to Ayew went viral, there was no indication that the exchange was violent or confrontational.Sources told ESPN that Bellingham’s conversation with the Ghanaian captain did not appear to be abusive, meaning the incident did not meet the threshold required for disciplinary action under FIFA’s new rules.Players, coaches and even referees have been seen keeping their mouths shut throughout the game. FIFA’s concern is focused mainly on disputes, arguments or abusive language.As a result, neither the judge Hector Said Martinez Sorto nor the assistant video assistant considered the matter worthy of review.
How Miguel Almirón’s red card was different
A common comparison involves Paraguayan forward Miguel Almirón, who became the first player in World Cup history to be sent off under the new rule.Almirón was withdrawn from Paraguay’s Group D match against Türkiye following a violent altercation involving Turkish defender Mert Müldür.This happened after Paraguay’s Isidro Pitta was sent off following a challenge on Ismail Yüksek, which led to an altercation between the two players. During the argument, Almirón kept his mouth shut when talking to Müldür.Following a VAR review, the officials deemed this a foul and issued a red card.Speaking after the incident, Infantino reinforced FIFA’s position.“This about closing the mouth is for us a very important law,” he said.It’s about respect. It’s about the example we have to set.If you have nothing to hide, you don’t close your mouth when talking to someone.“The rules are clear to everyone.”
Bellingham also talks about the conflict with the Ghanaian bench
While the interaction with Ayew appeared to be harmless, Bellingham took action in the game that started at halftime and continued into the second half.Real Madrid’s players started a heated and ugly row between Ghanaian coaches, including manager Carlos Queiroz and assistant John Paintsil, after a heated argument with Ghanaian defender Jerome Opoku. The altercation took place in the last minute after a sloppy tackle, and tensions flared as both benches reacted angrily before the game resumed.Speaking afterward, Bellingham admitted he made a mistake but insisted the disagreement stemmed from the competition in the game.“I did something stupid to be honest. I was trying to win the ball and I followed a bit and caught the guy, I spoke to him afterwards and their bench jumped up trying to get me a yellow card,” said Bellingham.“So yes, I think their manager, I just recognized him, is the one who stayed at Manchester United [Carlos Queiroz]It’s a huge honor and nothing but a competitive edge for all of us.”