MEXICO CITY, July 17 (Reuters) – Tigres striker Rodrigo “Buffalo” Aguirre became the first player in Liga MX history to be sent off for covering his mouth during a match. The red card, issued in the 67th minute of a 2-1 loss to Xolos de Tijuana, has ignited a fierce debate over the league’s new “Ley Prestianni” regulation.
The incident occurred when Aguirre approached Tijuana’s Alejandro “Pue” Gomez. He covered his mouth with his hand to speak. VAR intervened. Referee Fernando Hernandez reviewed the footage and issued a direct red card.
The rule, informally named “Ley Prestianni,” bans players from covering their mouths while speaking on the field. It was introduced in May 2026. The league’s stated objective is to prevent unsportsmanlike behavior and avoid controversies arising from lip-reading, where players previously criticized officials or opponents without being heard.
What is the ‘Ley Prestianni’?
The regulation is named after a 2025 incident. A player, whose identity the league has not officially confirmed, was seen covering his mouth to secretly criticize referees. The league’s refereeing commission stated the rule aims to “preserve the integrity of the game and ensure all communication is transparent.”
Reactions: Silencing or Fair Play?
The expulsion has split opinion. Tigres coach Robert Siboldi called the decision “absurd.” He argued, “Players cover their mouths to prevent opponents from reading their tactics. It’s instinct, not disrespect.” Xolos coach Miguel Herrera supported the rule. “It stops players from hiding insults. If you want to speak, do it openly,” he told Fox Sports.
Social media reactions have been intense. On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #LeyPrestianni trended for six hours. Fans and analysts debated freedom of expression versus on-field discipline. Marca Mexico reported that the league’s officiating board has received over 200 complaints and 150 letters of support since the match.
Impact on Liga MX
The precedent is clear. Players now face immediate expulsion for covering their mouths. Referees have been instructed to strictly enforce the rule. The league’s image, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, is under scrutiny. International media have framed the rule as an overreach.
| Dimension | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rule Name | Ley Prestianni |
| First Expulsion | Rodrigo Aguirre (Tigres), July 16, 2026 |
| Match | Xolos de Tijuana 2-1 Tigres |
| Penalty | Direct red card |
| Stated Objective | Prevent unsportsmanlike hidden speech |
| Key Opposition | Infringes on player spontaneity and tactical communication |
A Precedent Set, Questions Remain
Aguirre’s expulsion is a landmark case. The “Ley Prestianni” now has a tangible example of enforcement. The debate over balancing discipline and personal expression will continue. Tigres have announced they will appeal the red card. The league’s disciplinary committee is expected to rule within 10 days.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the ‘Ley Prestianni’ rule in Liga MX?
- A: It is a regulation that prohibits players from covering their mouths while speaking on the field, introduced in May 2026 to prevent unsportsmanlike behavior and controversial lip-reading incidents.
- Q: Why was Rodrigo Aguirre sent off?
- A: Rodrigo Aguirre received a direct red card in the 67th minute of a match against Xolos de Tijuana for covering his mouth with his hand while speaking to an opponent, violating the ‘Ley Prestianni’ rule.
- Q: What are the reactions to the Rodrigo Aguirre expulsion?
- A: Tigres coach Robert Siboldi called the decision ‘absurd,’ arguing players cover their mouths to prevent opponents from reading tactics, while the league defends the rule as a measure for transparency and fair play.
Extended Reading
For further details on the rule’s origins and league statements, refer to reports from Marca Mexico and Fox Sports Mexico. Excelsior also covered the immediate fan and analyst reactions following the match.