It was one of the big talking points from this month's international break. Will Cristiano Ronaldo miss the start of next summer's World Cup following his red card against the Republic of Ireland?
Despite saying he would be a "good boy" ahead of kick-off, Ronaldo was sent off for the first time in his 226-cap Portugal career after being penalised for violent conduct following an elbow on Dara O'Shea.
The red card he received automatically carried a one-match suspension, which ruled him out of their final qualifier against Armenia. But there was also a possibility that he could miss the start of the 2026 World Cup.
Ultimately, FIFA's disciplinary committee had the final say on the matter and, after a lengthy wait, it was confirmed on Tuesday that Ronaldo has been handed a three-match ban, with the final two games suspended for “a one-year probation period”.
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Portuguese publication Record first reported that Ronaldo will be free to play in the opening stages of next summer's World Cup.
FIFA issue statement on Cristiano Ronaldo ban
On Tuesday, a statement from FIFA cleared up the situation.
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a three-match ban on Cristiano Ronaldo following his direct red card at the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary competition match between the Republic of Ireland and Portugal played in Dublin on 13 November 2025," it read, as per The Athletic.
"The first of the three matches was served in the encounter Portugal v. Armenia played on 16 November 2025.
“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.
“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 match(es) of the Portuguese representative team.
“This is without prejudice to any additional sanctions imposed for the new infringement. The three-match suspension is subject to appeal to the FIFA Appeal Committee.”
The fact that it was Ronaldo's first red card in 226 international appearances was reportedly taken into account, according to the BBC.
Ahead of the ruling, it was suggested that the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) would put forward a presentation with arguments to support the minimum penalty (one-match suspension) for Ronaldo.
FPF president, Pedro Proenca, was said to be 'directly involved in the process', according to A Bola.
Speaking about Ronaldo's potential ban, Portugal boss Roberto Martinez called for leniency.
"I saw his reaction to a provocation. It started at the beginning of the game, in every play in the penalty area. It even started the day before in the press conference," he said.
"It’s not a violent action, it’s not a red card for violence, but a reaction to a provocation. We need to try to show the case and prepare well. I would say it would be very unfair to impose a long suspension."
Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates will find out who they will face in their World Cup opener when the final draw takes place in Washington on December 5 at 5pm UK time.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, FIFA World Cup
Jack Kenmare