Ronaldo Cleared to Play in World Cup After FIFA Partially Lifts Ban
Cristiano Ronaldo is eligible to feature for Portugal at the upcoming World Cup after FIFA announced a partial suspension of his three-match ban.The disciplinary committee on Tuesday imposed a one-game ban, with two further matches suspended for a year’s probation.
Ronaldo has effectively served his suspension, having missed Portugal’s final world Cup qualifying match against Armenia last week.
The 40-year-old was sent off during Portugal’s defeat by the Republic of Ireland on November 13th,after being judged to have struck defender Dara O’Shea with an elbow. It was his 14th career red card, but the first in 226 senior international appearances.
FIFA’s disciplinary code mandates “at least three matches or an appropriate period of time” for assault, including elbowing. However, article 27 allows the Fifa judicial committee to “fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”
According to a FIFA statement, “In line with article 27 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code, the serving of the two remaining matches has been suspended under a one-year probation period.” Should Ronaldo commit a similar infringement during this period,the suspension will be reinstated,and the remaining two matches must be served instantly in future Portuguese representative team matches.
The three-match suspension is subject to appeal to the FIFA appeal committee.
