Ronaldo Cleared for World Cup After Controversial FIFA Ruling
In a decision that shocked few, Cristiano Ronaldo has escaped a full World Cup ban and will be available for Portugal's opening match of the 2026 tournament. FIFA's disciplinary committee ruled to suspend the final two games of his three-match suspension, effectively reducing his punishment to just one game already served.
The Incident and Political Connections
The controversy stems from Ronaldo's red card for violent conduct during Portugal's World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland earlier this month. The superstar forward swung his elbow at Ireland defender Dara O'Shea off the ball, leading to an automatic one-game ban that he served during Portugal's 9-1 victory over Armenia.
However, the timing of FIFA's subsequent ruling raised eyebrows. Just six days before learning his punishment, Ronaldo had attended a White House dinner as a guest of US President Donald Trump and as an envoy of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Photographs showed Ronaldo shaking hands with Trump in the Oval Office and taking a selfie with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who was also present at the event.
Unprecedented Decision Sparks Controversy
FIFA's disciplinary code typically mandates at least a three-match ban for assault, including elbowing, with suspensions from qualifying carrying over to World Cup finals. Yet the committee invoked article 27 of the disciplinary code to suspend the remaining two matches under a one-year probation period.
The decision appears unprecedented. When questioned, The Independent was directed to examples involving an Israeli club and Mexican fans, but neither involved reducing a ban for violent conduct. FIFA cited Ronaldo's clean disciplinary record across 226 international appearances as a mitigating factor.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez had previously defended his player, stating: "I think the action looks worse than what it actually is, I don't think it's an elbow."
The ruling means Ronaldo, who will be 41 when the World Cup begins, can now pursue his ambition of becoming the first player to appear in six World Cup finals. With Trump expected to join Infantino at the December 5 draw in Washington DC, the tournament appears increasingly shaped by the intersection of football, celebrity, and political influence.
