Overview
- Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off against Ireland after a VAR review for elbowing defender Dara O’Shea, triggering at least a one-match suspension.
- He missed the qualifier against Armenia, watched from the stands, and posted a message urging support for the team.
- Portugal routed Armenia in Porto to seal direct qualification, with João Neves and Bruno Fernandes each scoring hat-tricks as Gonçalo Ramos, Renato Veiga and Francisco Conceição added goals.
- Coach Roberto Martínez called a multi-game punishment unjust and said Portugal would present evidence, with reports indicating an appeal or complaint has been submitted to FIFA.
- FIFA’s disciplinary committee has yet to decide the final length of Ronaldo’s ban, and any additional suspension would apply to official matches, potentially affecting Portugal’s World Cup opener.