Liga MX saw one of the first red cards resulting from one of the most talked-about changes to international soccer rules, as Rodrigo “Búfalo” Aguirre, a Tigres forward, was sent off during the match against Xolos de Tijuana for covering his mouth while arguing with an opponent—conduct that, starting with the 2026–2027 season, may be punished with a red card under certain circumstances.
The move caught the attention of fans and analysts because this rule began to be applied internationally during the 2026 World Cup and is now part of the regulations approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for the Laws of the Game.
Here’s how Rodrigo Aguirre was sent off
RED CARD FOR AGUIRRE!🔴
“El Búfalo” covered his mouth during a heated moment, and the referee sent him off. @Xolos 🐕 1-0 🐯 @TigresOficial #LigaMX 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/7Q642AGNDy
— FOX (@somos_FOX) July 17, 2026
The play took place around the 45th minute of the match between Tigres and Tijuana.
Rodrigo Aguirre got into a verbal altercation with defender Alejandro Gómez.
During the altercation, the Uruguayan forward covered his mouth while continuing to confront his opponent.
Referee Ismael Rosario López Peñuelas was advised to review the play using VAR.
After reviewing the footage, he decided to show the red card to the Felinos forward.
Over the stadium’s public address system, the referee explained that the ejection was because the player had covered his mouth “during a confrontational situation.”
A rule covered by the new amendments to the regulations (Filed under: Vinícius Law Reaches Liga MX).
What does the new IFAB rule say?
The 2026–2027 Rules of the Game state that a player, substitute, or member of the coaching staff must be ejected if:
“One covers one’s mouth when communicating with an adversary in a provocative, contemptuous, or heated manner or situation.”
The purpose of this rule change is to prevent soccer players from concealing offensive language, insults, or unsportsmanlike conduct during direct confrontations with opponents.
The rule does not prohibit covering one’s mouth at any time during the game.
The penalty applies when that gesture is part of a confrontation or provocative communication with an opponent (Filed under: Vinícius joins Liga MX).
The action caught the attention of fans and analysts
NuevaOnda.com
Why is it known as the “Vinícius Law”?
This amendment has come to be known popularly as the “Vinícius Act” or the “Prestianni Act.”
The reason for the rule change stems from an incident that occurred last season during a UEFA Champions League match.
Gianluca Prestianni was accused of racist behavior toward Vinícius Jr.
In the wake of that incident, IFAB added specific language to penalize this type of conduct when players conceal what they say during a confrontation (Filed under: Vinícius Law Reaches Liga MX).
For more information, visit NuevaOnda.com
