Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play in Portugal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. FIFA has suspended part of his disciplinary sanction. This decision follows a red card he received against the Republic of Ireland.
Ronaldo was sent off earlier this month. The incident occurred during a World Cup qualifier. He appeared to elbow Ireland defender Dara O’Shea. The star forward has already served one match of his suspension. This was during Portugal’s final qualifying game against Armenia.
FIFA’s Conditional Ruling Explained
FIFA has confirmed a conditional suspension for the remaining two games. These matches would have applied at the start of the World Cup group stage. However, the suspension is now under a one-year probation period.
This means Ronaldo must avoid any similar infringements. If he commits another offence of the same “nature and gravity” during this probationary year, the suspended two-game punishment will be immediately triggered. It would then apply to Portugal’s next official fixtures.
FIFA clarified this ruling in an official statement. It stated the decision aligns with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The statement also noted that this is “without prejudice to any additional sanctions imposed for the new infringement.” Ronaldo retains the right to appeal the three-match suspension to the FIFA Appeal Committee.
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