Cristiano Ronaldo escapes World Cup suspension as FIFA issues 1-year ‘probation’
Cristiano Ronaldo will not miss next year’s FIFA World Cup, as the governing body has placed him under a one-year probation instead of enforcing a full suspension.
The 40-year-old Portugal forward was shown a red card during Portugal’s 2–0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland on November 13. On Tuesday, FIFA announced a three-match suspension for Ronaldo for elbowing Irish defender Dara O’Shea, but stated that the final two games of the ban are suspended for a 12-month probationary period.
This ruling means Ronaldo will be able to take part in Portugal’s first two matches at the upcoming World Cup.
Initially, Ronaldo was given a yellow card for the challenge. But after the referee reviewed the incident on video, it was upgraded to a red card—marking the first sending-off of his international career.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled that the offense warranted a three-match ban, adding two more games to the standard automatic one-match suspension, but holding those additional matches in reserve pending his behavior in the next year.
According to FIFA’s statement, “If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another offense of similar seriousness during the probation period, the suspended portion of the sanction will be reinstated, and he must serve the remaining two matches immediately in Portugal’s next official fixtures.” FIFA added that this does not prevent further punishment for any new violation. The decision can be appealed to the FIFA Appeal Committee.
Ronaldo already served the automatic one-game ban during Portugal’s final World Cup qualifier against Armenia on November 16.
The red card is the first Ronaldo has received in his record 226 appearances for Portugal. He is expected to feature in what would be his sixth World Cup next summer.
Following the Ireland match, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez commented, “He’s a captain who has never been sent off in 226 games. I think the decision was a bit harsh because he always puts the team first.”
