Jude Bellingham, Jordan Ayew and FIFA.
After England’s draw with Ghana.
Jude Bellingham avoided a red card after covering his mouth while speaking to Jordan Ayew because officials judged the exchange was not confrontational. The incident sparked debate after FIFA’s new World Cup mouth-cover rule was used earlier.
The rule targets players hiding their mouths during confrontations, not friendly conversations. Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron was sent off in a heated melee, but sources said Bellingham’s chat with Ayew lacked aggression and did not trigger VAR action.