- By Himanshu Badola
- Thu, 27 Nov 2025 08:01 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Cristiano Ronaldo FIFA World Cup Ban Controversy: Cristiano Ronaldo is all set and cleared to play the opening matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 for Portugal despite his red card suspension for 'violent conduct' during their match against the Republic of Ireland a few days ago.
Ronaldo was sent off as Portugal suffered a 0-2 defeat against Ireland in Dublin. During the match, the 40-year-old 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 by the legendary footballer. He missed Portugal's match against Armenia, which they won 9-1 to seal their World Cup qualification.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo had been expected to be banned for at least one more game and start what will be his record sixth World Cup on the sidelines.
Why Cristiano Ronaldo Will Be Allowed To Play FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Games?
The decision to allow Ronaldo for early action in the mega event raised a few eyebrows, probably didn't come as a huge surprise. Under FIFA's disciplinary code for violent conduct, Ronaldo should have received a three-match ban. The committee considered the fact that the Portugal skipper had not received a red card in his other 225 international appearances.
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While he served one match in their final qualifier against Armenia, the other two will only be activated if he "commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period". Ronaldo, now, is free to join Lionel Messi at the much-awaited World Cup, which is scheduled to be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer.
Was There Any Breaking Of Rules by FIFA To Clear Ronaldo's Suspension
No, there isn't any rule that FIFA have broken to allow Cristiano Ronaldo to play in the initial games of the World Cup 2026. There is a clause in the disciplinary code that effectively gives FIFA the authority to cut or cancel any ban as it sees fit.
As per Article 27, the global governing body can "fully or partially suspend" a disciplinary measure for "a probationary period of one to four years".
And Article 25 states "the relevant Fifa judicial body may scale down the disciplinary measure to be imposed or even dispense with it entirely".