Cristiano Ronaldo will be available for Portugal’s first match at next summer’s World Cup despite the red card he received against the Republic of Ireland earlier this month.
The 40-year-old was dismissed for elbowing Dara O’Shea during Portugal’s 2-0 qualifying defeat, an offence that normally triggers a three-match suspension for violent conduct.
However, Fifa has suspended the second and third games of that ban for a year, meaning Ronaldo will serve only the mandatory one match—already completed against Armenia on 16 November.
BBC Sport understands his exemplary disciplinary record — with this being his first red card in 226 international appearances — played a significant role in the decision.
Fifa warned that the additional two-match suspension will be reinstated if Ronaldo commits a similar offence during the probation period.
Ronaldo scored five goals in qualifying as Portugal topped Group F to secure their seventh consecutive World Cup appearance.
The tournament draw, featuring all 48 teams, will be shown live on Friday, 5 December.
