Referee reacts consistently
DFB opponents rage over new World Cup rules
June 15, 2026 – 11:05 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
In the game against Ivory Coast, Ecuador’s midfield star was given a time penalty. It is the first time that a new rule has been implemented so consistently.
The implementation of a new treatment rule caused great excitement during Ecuador’s 1-0 defeat against Ivory Coast on Sunday night. The South Americans reacted visibly with irritation and anger at the interpretation of the rules by the French referee Francois Letexier.
What had happened? In the 18th minute, Ecuador defended a corner from Ivory Coast. After the defensive action, midfielder Moisés Caicedeo remained lying in his own penalty area, rolling in pain and sticking his arm in the air to signal that he needed medical attention. Letexier stopped the game and waved the team doctors onto the field. When the referee reached the Chelsea player, he stood up again and the supervisors turned around.
In the video | You need to be aware of these rule changes
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Caicedo made it clear to him that he did not need treatment, but the referee stuck to his line. Since there was no foul play that resulted in a yellow card, the 24-year-old was sent off the field. In order to prevent time wasted, the rule has been in place since this World Cup that players must leave the field for at least one minute after medical treatment. In this case, it didn’t matter that he hadn’t received any direct treatment.
Letexier pushes the interpretation of the rules – Ecuador is raging
Caicedo left the field with some insults directed at the referee. Letexier then remained consistent. After the 60-second time penalty expired, the Ecuadorian had to wait further out as Ivory Coast had possession of the ball right in front of him. The Chelsea FC professional was now beside himself and kept shouting at the linesman. Only after a few more seconds was he called back onto the field. Ivory Coast was unable to use its short-term advantage to create a goal-scoring opportunity.
