FIFA set Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup fate after Dublin red card

November 26, 2025 Oliver Obel

The drama began during Portugal’s qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, when Ronaldo was sent off after an exchange with defender Dara O’Shea. The VAR-assisted decision marked his first-ever red card in more than two decades with the national team.

The mandatory one-game ban excluded him from the subsequent match against Armenia, but debate in Portuguese media—including early reporting from Record—quickly turned to whether further punishment might affect his World Cup availability.

FIFA clarifies its decision

After several days of internal review, FIFA released a formal disciplinary ruling on Tuesday. According to The Athletic, the governing body imposed a three-match suspension, though only the first game has been applied.

In its statement, FIFA said the remaining two matches are held under a one-year probation period, a mechanism that kicks in only if Ronaldo commits “a similar infringement” within the next year. If that happens, the suspended games would be enforced immediately, alongside any new penalties. The decision remains subject to appeal through FIFA’s internal channels.

Why the penalty stopped short

Evidence presented by the Portuguese Football Federation appears to have influenced the outcome. Reporting from both the BBC and A Bola highlighted that Ronaldo’s previously clean international disciplinary record—remarkable for a player with 226 caps—was a key factor.

A Bola also noted that federation president Pedro Proença took a hands-on role in preparing the case, arguing for the minimum possible sanction by emphasizing the context of the incident and the nature of the contact.

Calls for balance from Portugal’s bench

Before the verdict, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez urged decision-makers to weigh the circumstances carefully.

“I saw his reaction to a provocation. It started at the beginning of the game, in every play in the penalty area. It even started the day before in the press conference,” he said.

“It’s not a violent action, it’s not a red card for violence, but a reaction to a provocation. We need to try to show the case and prepare well. I would say it would be very unfair to impose a long suspension.”

His comments echoed the sentiment shared by many supporters who felt the incident, while punishable, did not rise to the level of a multi-match ban.

Looking ahead to the World Cup

With the disciplinary question settled, Portugal can shift their attention fully to preparations for next summer. The team will learn their group-stage opponents when the World Cup draw takes place in Washington on December 5.

Sources: BBC, The Athletic, Record, A Bola.