Portugal forward Rafael Leão was sent off with a red card in a recent friendly against Chile, and according to renowned journalist Di Marzio's interpretation of the rules, Leão may face additional suspension.
Portugal forward Rafael Leão was sent off after clashing with Iván Ramírez in the friendly against Chile, putting his World Cup participation at risk.
The red card Leão received against Chile could cost him dearly. The Portuguese winger was dismissed after the altercation with Iván Ramírez, putting his World Cup debut in jeopardy. According to Article 69 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, Leão will be forced to miss the next friendly against Nigeria.
However, as Leão struck Ramírez during the altercation, he may be charged with aggravated violent conduct. If the Disciplinary Committee deems Leão's actions excessive, he could receive an additional two-match suspension, which would affect his World Cup participation. In this scenario, Leão would miss the first two group stage matches of the World Cup against the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uzbekistan.
If Leão's actions are deemed extreme, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee could impose a three-match suspension (the friendly against Nigeria plus two World Cup group stage matches). FIFA has previously only considered such extreme measures for incidents involving spitting, discriminatory behavior, or attacking officials.
Di Marzio also noted an interesting precedent involving Leão's national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo. In January 2025, the forward was sent off in Portugal's World Cup qualifier against Ireland for elbowing Dara O'Shea.
The Disciplinary Committee deemed Ronaldo's actions extreme but only issued a one-match suspension — suspended — due to his clean disciplinary record in 225 previous international matches. If the Portugal captain commits another serious violation before November 2026, he would serve the one-match suspension plus the two "accumulated" matches.
Cupidonjevenson43
0
Is he guilty come on he started pushing the other guy first 👀
Konabdrz
0
Portugal wc campaign already falling apart
omochris
0
"If Leão misses the first two World Cup games, it could be one of the biggest blows to Portugal's title hopes." 🔥🇵🇹⚽🏆 (Referring to Rafael Leão.)
Which blow? there are other good replacements!!!
omochris
0
What about the other guy, Ivan Ramirez?
Widbiltz
1
So MU are bidding for a violent player.
Zabacdino
1
I am not a fun of Leao but the other guy hit him first and wouldn't not stop and then Leao stroke back.
ALEXANDERSALEKXZ10
0
mmmmmm even friendly game? it's 2 harsh to him
2 harsh...I don't think you've ever received a punch before
Nabdeimt
0
Did you guys watch his performance?? His terrible ball distribution?? Lack of emotion control. Getting that lazy guy will be United's biggest mistake.
EmeraldJ
1
Imagine getting suspended for TWO WORLD CUP MATCHES due to a moment of madness in WARM UP GAME? Chai
Dobblmrsu
0
mmmmmm even friendly game? it's 2 harsh to him
Vimbii
0
Now worries from the players and fans
Newbdlmstz
0
this guy is shit
Wowadempuy
1
hdjjkeg igfij kkfe ai
Rudaeinotu
1
b
Mubarakhusaain
1
"If Leão misses the first two World Cup games, it could be one of the biggest blows to Portugal's title hopes." 🔥🇵🇹⚽🏆 (Referring to Rafael Leão.)
Vozakmpryz
0
But why only him . As far as I’m concerned both players got red cards so why only him . This is just bs
livingstoneDlam
2
he forgot that it was just a friendly match, he confused. a friendly match needs to be friendly as indicated, but some players forget the rules of a friendly match. now he may pay for his actions
Wamelpstuy
1
warning to clubs that are thinking about buying him🤔🤔🤔🤔
Yall are just quick to judge while forgetting he’s still human
HenryStriky
6
warning to clubs that are thinking about buying him🤔🤔🤔🤔