On 25/11, FIFA announced a one-match suspension for Cristiano Ronaldo, accompanied by a two-match suspended sentence valid for one year. This decision means the 40-year-old forward has already served his ban, having missed Portugal's final 2026 World Cup European qualifier against Armenia. The ruling clears him to participate in Portugal's first group stage match at the 2026 World Cup.

Ronaldo "fake cried" to mock an opponent during Portugal's loss to Ireland at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland, in the penultimate match of Group F of the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on the evening of 13/11. *Photo: INPHO*

Ronaldo received a red card during Portugal's penultimate Group F European qualifier against Ireland on 13/11. In the 59th minute, with Portugal trailing 0-2, Ronaldo elbowed Dara O’Shea in the back and then made a fake crying gesture to mock him. Referee Glenn Nyberg initially issued a yellow card, but following a VAR review, he upgraded it to a direct red card.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), with the direct involvement of President Pedro Proenca, appealed to FIFA. The FPF argued that the tense playing environment in Dublin, influenced by aggressive statements from Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson before the match, contributed to CR7's reaction.

According to FIFA regulations, penalties for violent conduct, including off-the-ball fouls and elbowing, typically range from one to three matches depending on severity. Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code grants the Judicial Committee the authority to suspend part or all of a sanction if deemed appropriate.

FIFA's latest decision, much like the original red card incident, has sparked controversy and remains open to appeal by the organization's Appeals Committee. Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol called the ruling "unprecedented," suggesting it benefits both Ronaldo and FIFA. He noted that normally, the Portuguese superstar would miss at least two matches, but "nothing is normal when it comes to Ronaldo". While fans believe Ronaldo deserves special consideration, experts maintain that "the law is the law".

FIFA's announcement clarified that if Ronaldo reoffends within one year, the remaining two suspended matches will be automatically activated. These matches would be served immediately in Portugal's next official fixtures, in addition to any supplementary penalties for new misconduct.

Ronaldo has stated that the 2026 World Cup will be his final appearance in the tournament. The expanded World Cup will feature 48 teams and is scheduled to take place in Canada, the United States, and Mexico from 11/6 to 19/7/2026. The group stage draw for the 2026 World Cup will be held in Washington D.C., United States, on 5/12, even though the final 6 participating teams have not yet been determined.

Hong Duy (according to Guardian, Sky Sports)