Fifa Suspends Remaining Two Games of Cristiano Ronaldo's Ban, Clearing Him to Start World Cup.
A dramatic reprieve for Cristiano Ronaldo has ensured he will be available to start Portugal's opening matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The forward, who had been handed a three-match ban for violent conduct after being sent off against Ireland last November, saw his suspension reduced by Fifa's disciplinary committee.
Ronaldo had been set to miss Portugal's final World Cup qualifying match against Armenia but, under Article 27 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code, the suspending authority had opted not to fully implement the three-match ban. Instead, the two remaining matches were suspended for a one-year probationary period, allowing Ronaldo to play in the World Cup.
The move has been welcomed by Portuguese fans and coach Sergio Santos, who will now be able to field his star striker against Qatar, Ecuador, and Ghana in the tournament's Group E. "We're very happy with this decision," Santos said after receiving news of the ban suspension.
A Fifa statement confirmed that Ronaldo had served his initial suspension, having sat out Portugal's final qualifying match, and will now be free to participate in the World Cup. However, it also warned that if he commits another infringement during the probationary period, the remaining two matches would automatically be made public immediately at the next official match.
Ronaldo was given a customary three-match ban for violent conduct after being adjudged to have struck defender Dara O'Shea with an elbow during Portugal's shock defeat by Ireland. This latest twist has brought relief to Ronaldo and his fans, who will now be able to see him in action at the World Cup.
A dramatic reprieve for Cristiano Ronaldo has ensured he will be available to start Portugal's opening matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The forward, who had been handed a three-match ban for violent conduct after being sent off against Ireland last November, saw his suspension reduced by Fifa's disciplinary committee.
Ronaldo had been set to miss Portugal's final World Cup qualifying match against Armenia but, under Article 27 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code, the suspending authority had opted not to fully implement the three-match ban. Instead, the two remaining matches were suspended for a one-year probationary period, allowing Ronaldo to play in the World Cup.
The move has been welcomed by Portuguese fans and coach Sergio Santos, who will now be able to field his star striker against Qatar, Ecuador, and Ghana in the tournament's Group E. "We're very happy with this decision," Santos said after receiving news of the ban suspension.
A Fifa statement confirmed that Ronaldo had served his initial suspension, having sat out Portugal's final qualifying match, and will now be free to participate in the World Cup. However, it also warned that if he commits another infringement during the probationary period, the remaining two matches would automatically be made public immediately at the next official match.
Ronaldo was given a customary three-match ban for violent conduct after being adjudged to have struck defender Dara O'Shea with an elbow during Portugal's shock defeat by Ireland. This latest twist has brought relief to Ronaldo and his fans, who will now be able to see him in action at the World Cup.
Just heard the news about Cristiano Ronaldo getting his ban suspended and I'm feeling so relieved for the guy 
! He's been through a tough time and it's amazing that Fifa has given him a second chance 
. Now he can finally shine on the biggest stage, the World Cup 
! Santos is going to have a field day with his star striker in the lineup 
. It's all about redemption and new beginnings for CR7 
.
. I mean, we've all seen some crazy tackles on the pitch before, but this one seems like a bit of a overreaction? 
Still, Ronaldo's got a point – he didn't exactly try to hurt anyone on purpose... maybe it was just a heat-of-the-moment thing? 
It's always good for Fifa when they get to give players a slap on the wrist and still let them play in big tournaments. Not that it's entirely unfair, but... still 
.
! But let's keep an eye on those remaining matches and see if he can stay out of trouble during that probationary period 
.
. But I gotta say, it's awesome that FIFA is giving him a second chance 
️. It's going to be crazy to watch him back in action, especially against those tough teams in Group E 
. The coach is stoked too, and it's great that Portugal fans are relieved 
. Now, let's get ready for some amazing football! 
. Can't we just give the guy a break? 
So finally! Cristiano Ronaldo is free to rock the World Cup stage 
. Now, let's see how Portugal does in the World Cup!