What FIFA rules mean for Milan star Leao and possible World Cup suspension | OneFootball

Rafael Leao was sent off for striking an opponent in the face during an international friendly with the Portugal national team on Saturday, but what do the FIFA regulations say about suspensions for violent conduct and is there a chance that the Milan-owned winger is handed a suspension for the 2026 World Cup?

Could Leao be suspended for 2026 World Cup?

Leao was named in the Portugal national team starting XI for their World Cup warm-up match against Chile, a game that eventually ended 2-1 in favour of the Europeans thanks to goals from Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes.

It all kicked off just before the half-time whistle, though, as a scuffle broke out involving Portugal’s Joao Cancelo and Chile pair Ivan Ramon and Felipe Faundez.

Leao got involved just as the referee arrived on the scene in an attempt to break up the scuffle, but the Milan man raised his hands at Cuba’s Ramon, pushed him around the neck multiple times and both players were then shown straight red cards.

The incident took place during an international friendly, but article 69 of the FIFA disciplinary code states that players sent off during friendly matches must serve a suspension during their next match.

LISBON, PORTUGAL – JUNE 06: Felipe Faundez #26 of Chile battles for possession Rafael Leao #17 of Portugal during the international friendly match between Portugal and Chile at Estadio Nacional do Jamor on June 06, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Leao and Portugal’s next match comes in another World Cup warm-up match against Nigeria on Wednesday night, June 10.

There is a small possibility that Leao is handed a longer suspension for violent conduct, but, according to TMW, FIFA rarely punishes players with more than one match for events that do not involve discrimination or aggressive behaviour towards match officials.

That means that Leao is likely to avoid further punishment and is unlikely to be suspended for Portugal’s opening game at the World Cup.