In a significant boost for Portugal's World Cup campaign, star forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been cleared to feature in the tournament's opening matches after receiving a reprieve from football's governing body.
The Fifa Verdict and Suspended Sentence
Fifa's disciplinary committee commuted Ronaldo's standard three-match ban for violent conduct to a one-game suspension, with a further two matches suspended under a one-year probation period. This decisive ruling, handed down on Tuesday, means the 40-year-old has effectively served his punishment, having already missed Portugal's final World Cup qualifier against Armenia.
The incident that sparked the controversy occurred on the 13th of November during Portugal's surprising defeat by the Republic of Ireland. Ronaldo was dismissed by the match official after he was adjudged to have struck Irish defender Dara O'Shea with an elbow. This was a rare blemish on an otherwise impeccable international disciplinary record; it was his first red card in 226 senior appearances for his country, despite having been sent off 13 times previously in his club career.
Understanding Fifa's Disciplinary Code
According to the official Fifa Disciplinary Code, a player must serve 'at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting or hitting an opponent'. However, the judicial body invoked Article 27, which grants it the power to 'fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure'.
A statement from Fifa clarified the conditions of the suspended sentence, stating that should Ronaldo commit a similar infringement during the probationary year, the two-match suspension would be 'automatically revoked' and served immediately in Portugal's next official fixtures. This would be in addition to any new sanctions imposed for the fresh offence. The original three-match suspension remains subject to a potential appeal to the Fifa appeal committee.
What This Means for Portugal's World Cup Hopes
This verdict removes a major cloud of uncertainty hanging over the Portuguese squad. With his availability for the crucial initial phase of the World Cup now confirmed, Ronaldo is free to lead his nation's charge from the start of the tournament. His presence on the pitch is considered vital for Portugal's aspirations to make a deep run in the competition. The resolution allows the team and its global fanbase to focus fully on football, leaving the disciplinary drama behind.
