by
Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo can play in the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup after global football governing body FIFA gave him a partially “suspended” ban following a red card.
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
The 40-year-old was sent off as Portugal lost 2-0 in Dublin earlier in November when he elbowed Dara O’Shea in the back, for his first dismissal in 226 international appearances.
FIFA banned Ronaldo for three matches, two of which will be suspended and the other has already been served, when Portugal sealed their qualification for next summer’s tournament against Armenia.
“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,” said FIFA in a statement given to AFP.
“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 (Portugal) matches.”
Sky Sports’ Chief Correspondent Kaveh Solhekol called it an “unprecedented decision” that suited both Ronaldo and FIFA.
“Under normal circumstances, Ronaldo should be suspended for Portugal’s first two World Cup games, but there is nothing normal about the Portugal superstar,” he said.
“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.”
Football writer Henry Winter, meanwhile, called it “special treatment”.
“Fifa admits the seriousness of Ronaldo’s offence and yet punishes him lightly. A good day for marketing. A bad day for discipline,” he added.
Ronaldo, the men’s all-time top goalscorer in international football with 143 goals, is aiming to play at a sixth World Cup next summer in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker, currently at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has not yet lifted the trophy but did win Euro 2016 with Portugal.
Ronaldo attended a dinner in the White House last week where he met US President Donald Trump, who said his son Barron “is a big fan” of the forward.
The World Cup group stage draw takes place on December 5.
