Cristiano Ronaldo is set to avoid a ban for the start of Portugal’s World Cup campaign despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland.
A FIFA disciplinary committee has imposed a three-match ban, but the final two games are suspended for one year provided there is no similar infringement during the probation period.
Ronaldo was shown a red card after appearing to swing an elbow at Ireland defender Dara O’Shea during a World Cup qualifier earlier this month.
He has already served the one-match suspension, in Portugal’s final qualifier against Armenia.
Should Ronaldo commit another offence of a similar nature, the two matches will be automatically activated for the next official matches for the Portugal national team, which are set to be the opening two World Cup group games.
Ronaldo appeared to elbow Dara O’Shea during Portugal’s match against Republic of Ireland on November 13
Liam Scales gestured an elbow action
A FIFA statement said: “In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the serving of the two remaining matches has been suspended under a one-year probation period.
“If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension set out in the disciplinary decision shall be deemed automatically revoked and the remaining two matches must be served immediately at the next official match(es) of the Portuguese representative team.
“This is without prejudice to any additional sanctions imposed for the new infringement. The three-match suspension is subject to appeal to the FIFA Appeal Committee.”
The decision comes days after Ronaldo attended a black tie dinner at the White House alongside US President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
‘Unprecedented decision suits Ronaldo and FIFA’
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Sky Sports News Chief Correspondent Kaveh Solhekol confirms that Cristiano Ronaldo is set to avoid a ban for the start of Portugal’s World Cup campaign despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland.
Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol:
Under normal circumstances, Ronaldo should be suspended for Portugal’s first two World Cup games, but there is nothing normal about the Portugal superstar.
Ronaldo’s legion of fans will say it is only right that their hero is being treated differently from everyone else.
After all, his red card was the first time he had been sent off in 226 internationals. Others will say rules are rules. Serious foul play should mean a two-match ban and violent conduct means a three-match ban.
What is undeniable is that this unprecedented decision suits Ronaldo and FIFA.
Cristiano Ronaldo saw his yellow card upgraded to a red card against Republic of Ireland
When is the 2026 World Cup draw?
The draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place in Washington on December 5 at 5pm UK time (12pm local time).
Trump will join Infantino at the John F Kennedy Center – a performing arts venue where Trump is chairman – to decide the group stage fixtures.
Announcing the draw venue at the White House in August, Trump said the World Cup was “the biggest event in sports”, while Infantino declared the 104 matches would be like “104 Super Bowls”.
World Cup 2026 match schedule
The full fixture list with group games and kick-off times will be available after the draw, but FIFA has already announced key dates and confirmed that the opening match will be held in Mexico City.
The final will take place at the New York-New Jersey (MetLife) Stadium – home of the New York Giants and New York Jets.
Group stage: June 11-27
Round of 32: June 28 to July 3
Round of 16: July 4-7
Quarter-finals: July 9-11
Semi-finals: July 14-15
Third-place play-off (‘Bronze final’): July 18
Final: July 19
