The football world is debating a controversial decision from FIFA that will allow Cristiano Ronaldo to play in Portugal's opening matches at the 2026 World Cup. The ruling comes just weeks after the Portuguese superstar's visit to the White House to meet President Donald Trump.
The Incident and Subsequent Reprieve
Cristiano Ronaldo faced a potential three-match ban after being sent off for violent conduct during Portugal's match against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. The 40-year-old was dismissed for an elbow on defender Dara O'Shea, which automatically triggered a standard three-game suspension for violent conduct.
Ronaldo served the first game of this ban during Portugal's final qualifier against Armenia, which they won convincingly to secure their place at next summer's tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico. However, in a surprising turn of events, FIFA's disciplinary committee has now suspended the final two games of his ban for one year, provided he commits no similar offences during this probation period.
White House Connections and Timing
The timing of this decision has raised eyebrows across the football community. Last week, Ronaldo was photographed at the White House with both President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Just days later, FIFA announced their ruling that effectively clears the way for Ronaldo to feature from the start of what he has announced will be his final World Cup.
This development means the record-breaking Portuguese forward, who has scored five goals in five World Cup qualifying games, will be available for selection when Portugal begin their campaign next June. The decision contrasts with treatment of other players like Nicolas Otamendi and Moises Caicedo, who will both miss their countries' opening World Cup games after September sendings-off.
Divided Opinions Among Experts
Football analysts are split on whether FIFA has made the right call. Some argue that the governing body has acted shamelessly to ensure one of the game's biggest attractions features prominently at their flagship tournament. They point to Ronaldo's declining influence at major tournaments - he scored only once at World Cup 2022 and failed to score at Euro 2024.
Others suggest the reprieve makes sense given Ronaldo's otherwise exemplary disciplinary record across his 226 international caps before this incident. They also note that similar considerations were made for Wayne Rooney before Euro 2012, when his three-match ban was reduced to two games.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez continues to stand by the ageing superstar, emphasising his positive influence on the squad. However, some observers wonder whether the ban might actually have helped Martinez by forcing him to bench Ronaldo for two games, given Portugal's wealth of attacking alternatives including Bruno Fernandes and Goncalo Ramos, who scored a hat-trick when replacing Ronaldo at the 2022 World Cup.
Whatever the perspective, this decision sets a significant precedent for how FIFA handles disciplinary matters involving the sport's biggest names ahead of major tournaments.
