Rafael Leao Faces World Cup Ban After Red Card vs Chile

Portugal's Rafael Leao risks missing a World Cup match after receiving a red card in a FIFA friendly. The forward was sent off during Saturday's (June 6) 2-1 victory against Chile.

The incident started with a minor scuffle over the ball between Chile's Felipe Loyola and Portugal's João Cancelo. Tensions escalated after Loyola cleared the ball, drawing players from both teams. Leão and Chilean defender Iván Roman quickly became the center of the altercation. After exchanging shoves, Leão was seen punching Román in the face, knocking him to the ground.

The referee promptly issued red cards to both players. Typically, a red card in a friendly only applies to future friendlies. However, because Leao was dismissed for violent conduct, FIFA's disciplinary committee could extend the suspension to official competitive matches. If this happens, Leao will miss Portugal's World Cup Group K opener against DR Congo on June 17. If the suspension is restricted to friendlies, Leao will only miss the upcoming exhibition match against Nigeria on June 10.

Portugal will then face DR Congo seven days later, followed by their remaining group-stage clashes on June 23 and June 28 (Bangladesh Standard Time)