Cristiano Ronaldo has been cleared to play in Portugal's opening World Cup matches after Fifa suspended two games of his three-match ban for violent conduct. The forward was sent off during Portugal's defeat to the Republic of Ireland on 13 November for elbowing defender Dara O'Shea.
Fifa's disciplinary committee ruled on Tuesday that Ronaldo would serve a one-match ban, with the remaining two games suspended under a one-year probation period. The 40-year-old has already served the suspension by missing Portugal's final qualifier against Armenia.
Under Article 27 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code, the committee has the power to partially suspend sanctions. A Fifa statement warned that if Ronaldo commits a similar offence within the probation year, the suspended matches will be reinstated immediately.
The decision has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that Ronaldo received preferential treatment. Legal experts suggest that the ruling could face a legal challenge, as Fifa's disciplinary process may be open to appeal. The three-match suspension is subject to appeal to the Fifa appeal committee.
