Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to commence Portugal’s World Cup journey without facing a ban, despite receiving a red card against the Republic of Ireland. A FIFA disciplinary committee has determined a three-match suspension; however, the last two matches are suspended for a year, contingent on Ronaldo not committing any further similar infractions during this probationary period.
Ronaldo was sent off after an incident where he appeared to elbow Ireland’s defender Dara O’Shea during a World Cup qualifier earlier this month. He has already served a one-match suspension during Portugal’s final qualifier against Armenia.
If Ronaldo repeats a similar offense, the remaining two matches will automatically be enforced in the next official fixtures of the Portuguese national team, which will be crucial as they approach their opening games in the World Cup.
The FIFA statement clarified that under article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the suspension of the two matches remains on hold during the one-year period. Should Ronaldo engage in any comparable misconduct during this time, the suspension will then be immediately implemented.
This decision, announced shortly after Ronaldo attended a notable dinner at the White House with figures like US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, has generated mixed reactions. While Ronaldo’s supporters may argue that the renowned player deserves special treatment, critics suggest that adherence to the rules should be consistent, regardless of the player’s status.
Sky Sports News highlighted that, under typical circumstances, a player in Ronaldo’s position would face a suspension for the first two World Cup games. However, the unique nature of Ronaldo’s situation has allowed for this unprecedented decision, raising questions regarding the fairness of such treatment in high-stakes international competitions.
As the football community awaits the upcoming 2026 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the draw for the tournament will occur in Washington on December 5. This event will further define the match schedule, with significant anticipation surrounding the season’s fixtures.
The excitement builds for the World Cup, particularly for Portugal, as they gear up for their matches. With Ronaldo on the pitch, they hope to showcase their talents and vie for football’s most prestigious trophy.