Cristiano Ronaldo sent off: FIFA could hand him a tough ban for the elbow | OneFootball

The Portuguese star was sent off against Ireland for an elbow to O'Shea, an action that FIFA punishes with several matches, and since there is only one qualifying match left, he should serve the suspension in the World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a nightmare night in Portugal's defeat during their visit to Ireland, in what could be his last qualifying match. He delivered an elbow from behind, was sent off for the first time with his national team, and could receive a penalty that would leave him out of almost the entire group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

The star, frustrated by Dara O'Shea's tight marking, responded with an unusual spinning elbow to the defender's back and saw the red card upon VAR's recommendation, a punishment that the Portuguese player ironically applauded to a crowd that bid him farewell with loud boos, insults, and chants for Lionel Messi.

However, the worst for Ronaldo could happen off the field since FIFA is very strict with such actions, and due to the imminent end of the qualifiers, the forward should serve directly in the World Cup.

In the “item i) of article 14, paragraph 1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code” it is established “at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assaulting (including elbowing, punching, kicking, or biting; spitting or hitting) an opponent or another person who is not a match official”. Since there is only one match left in the qualifiers for Portugal, the other two suspension games he must serve would be in the 2026 World Cup, missing almost the entire Group Stage as it comprises three games.

If the sanction and its severity are confirmed, Ronaldo would not be the only one having to serve a qualifying suspension in the World Cup, as it has been confirmed that Nicolás Otamendi will not be able to be part of Argentina's debut due to his expulsion at the end against Ecuador in Guayaquil.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.