-
News
- 20 minutes ago
New FIFA law used for the first time at World Cup – and it had an effect no one expected
13 Jun 2026 08:32 BST |
4 min read
News
Miguel Almiron made unwanted history at the World Cup when he became the first player to be punished under a new FIFA law being implemented at the competition.
The former Newcastle United star, who now turns out for MLS side Atlanta United, wrote himself into history early in the second half of Paraguay’s 4-1 loss against the USA in Los Angeles.
Almiron became the first person to be punished under FIFA’s new mistaken identity laws, which were implemented in a manner that no one expected – least of all the 32-year-old attacker.
Current ETV
Miguel Almirón
F (R), M (RL)
Miguel Almirón
F (R), M (RL)
Atlanta Utd
ETV Range
€16.3M - €19.9M
What happened?
Early in the second half, Almiron attacked down the right flank. He dribbled towards the goal line under pressure from Tim Ream but overhit his touch marginally and instead of chasing the ball dived under modest pressure from the Charlotte FC centre-back.
Initially, referee Danny Makkelie awarded the free kick to Paraguay and booked Ream. As the South Americans delivered the free kick that they thought they had won, the Dutch official blew and signalled a VAR check, much to the confusion of all in the SoFi Stadium.
The decision was ultimately reversed, with Ream’s booking rescinded and Almiron instead shown a yellow card in what was a landmark ruling.
A 'mistaken identity' VAR check led to Tim Ream's yellow card being rescinded and given instead to Miguel Almiron for simulation. pic.twitter.com/oMvHk949ew
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 13, 2026
Mistaken identity law used in a way no one expected
Almiron had clearly dived to win the free kick, and Makkelie had been flagged to his error by VAR official Carlos Del Cerro Grande.
The referee was able to take this action thanks to a change of law regarding bookings that are a case of mistaken identity.
The new law states that if a player is booked or sent off, but the foul was committed by an opponent, the decision can be reversed.
In this case, the indiscretion was not made by Ream, but instead by Almiron, who sought to deceive the match officials by simulating a foul.
This was a use of the new law that had not been widely flagged as a possibility but is set to be widely welcomed if implemented in this manner to clamp down on cheating.
What other new laws are being used?
Timewasting laws have come into effect, with goalkeepers now subject to a countdown when in possession of the ball in hand. Hold onto it too long and the opposition will be awarded a corner. This has yet to be used at the World Cup.
Similarly, when taking throw ins, the decision will be reversed if the team takes too long to put the ball back into play. Bosnia suffered this against Canada in their 1-1 draw earlier on Friday.
Substituted players, meanwhile, have 10 seconds to get off the field, else there is a one-minute delay for the player coming on.
Other changes regarding VAR protocol are coming into force. Incorrectly awarded corners can be overturned if doing so does not delay the restart, red cards issued from an incorrect second yellow card can now be checked, and also attacking fouls that result in a goal, penalty, corner or free kick.
Players are also banned for covering their mouths in confrontational situations in a bid to clamp down on abuse.
