Big relief for Cristiano Ronaldo fans! ⚽ Earlier this month, CR7 saw red for an elbow in a qualifier loss to Ireland, but FIFA just softened the blow.
The world body handed him a three-match suspension for violent conduct, but here's the trick: two games are on probation for a year. He already sat out Portugal's 9-1 win over Armenia last week – so he's clear to play through the rest of 2026 if he stays clean.
In short, as long as Ronaldo keeps it cool, he'll be on the pitch from Portugal's first kick in the 2026 World Cup (June 11 in North America) to the final whistle. 🙌
Portugal has a couple of friendlies in March and warm-up matches in late May/early June – perfect test runs before the big show. And for fans across South and Southeast Asia, it means your mobile game-day streams will feature the GOAT in full flight.
FIFA's deferment move is pretty rare for a three-game ban, but their rules allow part of a suspension to be deferred if no repeat offense occurs within the probation period.
Now the buzz is: Will Ronaldo stay penalty-free and sail through his record sixth World Cup? Let us know your thoughts! 💬👇
Reference(s):
Ronaldo set to avoid ban at World Cup after FIFA defers his punishment
cgtn.com
