What is the ‘Prestianni Law’ and how is it used in Liga MX?

The opening round of the 2026 Apertura produced a moment that will go down in Liga MX history.

It wasn’t a dramatic stoppage-time winner, a dream debut or a lopsided victory. Instead, the spotlight fell on the first-ever enforcement of the so-called “Prestianni Law,” a new disciplinary guideline introduced after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What is the Prestianni Law?

The “Prestianni Law” refers to a new refereeing directive promoted by FIFA to crack down on unsporting behavior during games.

Under the rule, players can be punished if they deliberately cover their mouths while arguing or confronting an opponent on the field. The aim is to make it easier for referees and the VAR to identify insults, threats or discriminatory language that previously could be hidden from cameras.

It took just one round for the new standard to make its presence felt in Mexican soccer.

The moment that changed the match

The decisive moment came in the 45th minute during a heated confrontation between players from Xolos and Tigres.

In the middle of the altercation, Rodrigo “El Búfalo” Aguirre covered his mouth while confronting an opponent. Following a VAR review, the referee applied the new disciplinary guideline and issued a straight red card.

The Uruguayan forward therefore became the first player in Liga MX history to be sent off under the “Prestianni Law.”

A rule that has already left its mark

Xolos took advantage of the extra space and went on to claim a 3-1 victory at Estadio Caliente.

Beyond the result, the message was clear for every club in Liga MX: the rules have changed, and players will no longer be able to assume such actions will go unnoticed.

The first dismissal under the new guideline is now part of league history. From this point forward, players will have to think not only about what they do during confrontations, but also about how they communicate with opponents on the field.

The “Prestianni Law” has officially arrived in Mexican soccer—and its first chapter has already been written.

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