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FIFA Suspends Part of Ronaldo Ban, Clearing Him for Portugal's 2026 World Cup Opener

Two matches are deferred under a one-year probation that would activate if he commits a similar offence.

Overview

  • Cristiano Ronaldo received a three-match suspension for violent conduct, with the first already served and the remaining two suspended under probation.
  • FIFA’s ruling follows his straight red card for elbowing Ireland’s Dara O’Shea, upgraded from yellow after a VAR pitchside review.
  • The suspended portion would be automatically enforced at Portugal’s next official matches if a comparable infringement occurs within one year.
  • The decision is appealable to the FIFA Appeal Committee under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
  • The red card was the first straight dismissal of Ronaldo’s Portugal career in his 226th cap, and several outlets noted the ruling’s proximity to his recent White House dinner with President Donald Trump and FIFA’s Gianni Infantino.