Cristiano Ronaldo will be available for Portugal’s first match at next summer’s World Cup, despite receiving a red card in their recent qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.
The 40-year-old forward was dismissed for elbowing Dara O’Shea during Portugal’s 2-0 loss earlier this month. Although violent conduct typically results in a three-match suspension, Ronaldo will only serve one game of the ban.
According to reports, disciplinary officials considered the fact that this was his first-ever red card in 226 international appearances, a key reason why two matches of the suspension were deferred for a year.
“Given the player’s clean disciplinary record, the remaining suspension will stay on probation,” a source noted.
Ronaldo has already served the mandatory one-match ban during Portugal’s game against Armenia on 16 November, meaning he will face no further interruptions heading into the World Cup in the United States.
Fifa’s Warning During Probation Period
Fifa later clarified the terms of Ronaldo’s conditional suspension, stressing that any similar misconduct will trigger the remaining ban immediately.
Fifa stated: “If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of similar nature, the suspended matches will automatically apply.”
Ronaldo played a major role in Portugal’s qualification campaign, scoring five goals as the team topped Group F and secured a place in their seventh consecutive World Cup.
The final tournament draw, which will determine Portugal’s group, will be broadcast live on 5 December.
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