FIFA ruling on Cristiano Ronaldo could boost Benfica starter | OneFootball

The Argentine Football Federation has started talks with FIFA to reduce the sanction of Nicolás Otamendi, and allow the Benfica center-back to play in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States of America. The recent decision regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s punishment is at the root of the Albiceleste team’s request.

Just as happened with Cristiano Ronaldo, Nicolás Otamendi was shown a red card in the last South American qualifier played by the Argentina national team. According to the rules normally applied by the body that governs world football, the Benfica center-back would be required to miss the next official match for his national team, which happens to be the opening game of the 2026 World Cup.

However, FIFA’s decision regarding Cristiano Ronaldo — reducing his suspension from three to one match, which has already been served against Armenia — caught the attention of the Argentine Football Federation, which wants similar treatment for the Benfica center-back. Thus, according to ADN Radio, talks with FIFA have already begun for this purpose.

The portal ‘Doble Amarilla’ also confirms this information. From the perspective of the Argentine officials, a pardon for Otamendi would be in line with what happened with Cristiano Ronaldo — who was recently criticized by a Benfica legend. It is worth remembering that the national team captain saw his two-match ban reduced to a suspended sentence, which will only be enforced if the player repeats the behavior that earned him the red card against Ireland.

The Argentine Federation is therefore seeking the same outcome for Otamendi. The Federation wants a suspended sentence for the Benfica center-back, who would then be under observation until the 2026 World Cup. It is worth recalling that the red card was shown after a foul on an opponent who was through on goal against Argentina.

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