Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo faces potential World Cup suspension after receiving a controversial red card during Thursday’s qualifier in Dublin.
The 40-year-old forward was dismissed following a VAR review of an off-the-ball clash with Irish defender Dara O’Shea inside the box.
Ronaldo will automatically miss Portugal’s final qualifier on Sunday, although the team remains well positioned to secure automatic World Cup qualification.
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Under FIFA regulations, he could receive additional suspension games depending on how the disciplinary panel interprets the nature of his elbow.
This raises the possibility of Ronaldo missing Portugal’s opening two group matches at what would be his final World Cup tournament.
Officials will review whether his action constitutes assault, a category carrying a ban of up to three games under FIFA’s Disciplinary Code.
Could Ronaldo Miss the Tournament?
Manager Roberto Martinez plans to defend Ronaldo, insisting the foul lacked the severity that warrants further punishment or extended disciplinary action.
The incident occurred while Ronaldo positioned himself for a free-kick, reacting angrily to pressure from O’Shea before swinging his elbow backwards.
Referee Glenn Nyberg initially issued a yellow card, but VAR intervened and upgraded the decision to a straight red, reports NBC Sports.
Portugal’s qualification outlook remains stable, yet a defeat to Armenia could complicate matters and potentially push them into playoff territory.
A disciplinary ruling is expected within three weeks, following FIFA’s usual timeline for supplementary sanction decisions after red-card reviews.
Ronaldo had never been sent off for Portugal before this match, though he has accumulated twelve red cards at club level.
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