Could Rafael Leao Be Suspended For Portugal's WC Opener After His Red Card For Punching?

Last Updated:June 07, 2026, 10:36 IST

Rafael Leao was sent off for violent conduct in Portugal's friendly against Chile, and the AC Milan star now faces the possibility of a FIFA ban carrying into the World Cup.

Rafael Leao may have handed Portugal an unwanted World Cup headache after the AC Milan forward was shown a straight red card during Saturday’s international friendly against Chile.

What appeared to be a relatively harmless on-field confrontation escalated into a moment of frustration that could now have serious consequences for both player and country.

The incident occurred in first-half stoppage time with the score locked at 0-0.

It all began following a routine challenge near the corner flag between Chile right-back Felipe Faundez and Portugal defender Joao Cancelo. After winning the duel and clearing the ball, Faundez’s reaction appeared to irritate Cancelo, who immediately confronted the Chilean.

As tempers flared, players from both sides rushed into the scene. Among them were Leao and Chile defender Ivan Roman, who quickly became the central figures in the confrontation.

The pair exchanged shoves before Leao appeared to swipe his hand across Roman’s face. While the situation was brought under control within seconds, Italian referee Luca Zufferli took a dim view of the altercation.

After a brief pause, Zufferli produced straight red cards for both Leão and Roman.

Even Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo attempted to intervene and plead Leao’s case, but the referee remained unmoved. Leão, meanwhile, reacted with a smile before walking off the pitch.

Could Leao Be Suspended For The WC Opener?

Ordinarily, a red card picked up in a friendly match results in a suspension limited to future friendly fixtures. Austria’s Konrad Laimer, for example, was recently dismissed against Tunisia and is not expected to face any impact on his World Cup participation.

Leao’s situation, however, is more complicated.

Because the dismissal was issued for violent conduct, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has the authority to extend any suspension beyond friendlies and into official competitions.

Should FIFA decide to impose a harsher punishment, the Portugal forward could miss one or more matches at the World Cup, which begins on June 11.

About the Author

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

News sports football Could Rafael Leao Be Suspended For Portugal's WC Opener After His Red Card For Punching?

Read More