Ronaldo, 40, was sent off during Portugal’s shock defeat to Ireland on Thursday (13.11.25), and the dismissal triggers an automatic one-match suspension for the final qualifier against Armenia.
But, as The Sun Sport has reported, under Fifa disciplinary rules, the ban is expected to increase to at least two matches – and possibly three – placing his participation in what he has already confirmed will be his “last” World Cup in jeopardy. Ronaldo was initially booked for a clash with Ireland defender Dara O’Shea, but Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg upgraded the yellow card to red after being sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR.
Fifa regulations for the finals state “serious foul play” requires a suspension of “at least two matches” and that “assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting at or hitting an opponent” carries a ban of “at least three matches”. Should Portugal secure qualification on Sunday (16.11.25), Ronaldo would likely miss their first two group-stage games and return only when their tournament fate may already be hanging in the balance.
If Portugal fail to clinch automatic qualification, the ban would instead apply to playoff matches in March.
His sending-off came days after Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson accused Ronaldo of “refereeing” the sides’ previous meeting in Lisbon, which Portugal won in stoppage time.
Ronaldo celebrated Joao Neves’ winner in front of Irish defender Jake O’Brien and encouraged home fans to “boo” him at the Aviva Stadium.
His reaction to the red card in Dublin included clapping and raising two thumbs, before confronting Hallgrimsson, who said: “He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee. It was his action on the pitch that cost him the red card. It had nothing to do with me – unless I got into his head.”
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, insisted the team would contest any attempt to extend the ban.
He said: “Cristiano has never been sent off before in 226 games. It was a bit harsh. He had 60 minutes or 58 minutes in the box being grabbed, being pulled, being pushed, and tried to get away from the defender, who falls on the floor dramatically at the turn of Cristiano’s body. We accept the decision.
“The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is at the press conference on Wednesday, the coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced.”
Martinez referenced the 2012 case in which the FA persuaded Uefa to reduce Wayne Rooney’s suspension to two games, enabling him to return and score the winner in England’s final group match.
