Overview
- Cristiano Ronaldo received a three-match ban for violent conduct, with two games suspended under probation following a FIFA Disciplinary Committee ruling.
- Ronaldo already served the first match by missing Portugal’s 9-1 win over Armenia, making him eligible for the team’s opening game at the 2026 World Cup.
- The suspended matches will automatically take effect if he commits an infringement of similar nature and gravity during the one-year probation period.
- The red card came after a VAR review for an elbow on Ireland defender Dara O’Shea in Dublin, the first straight red of Ronaldo’s 226-cap Portugal career.
- FIFA says the sanction is open to appeal, as media scrutiny grows over the decision’s timing and context ahead of the Dec. 5 World Cup draw.