Portugal plans to ask FIFA to reduce Ronaldo's sentence because of 'first-time mistake'

Portugal are preparing to appeal to FIFA for a reduction of Cristiano Ronaldo's red card against Ireland, saying it was only the 40-year-old superstar's first dismissal while playing for Portugal.

Portugal asked FIFA to reduce Ronaldo's sentence after receiving a red card in the match against Ireland - Photo: AFP

Ronaldo received a red card in the 61st minute for elbowing defender Dara O'Shea in the back during Portugal's 2-0 loss to Ireland in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This was Ronaldo's first red card in 226 appearances for Portugal.

According to FIFA's disciplinary regulations, Ronaldo's actions could result in a suspension of "at least three matches for violent conduct" or "at least three matches or an appropriate period for offensive conduct, including elbowing".

FIFA will take three weeks after the 2026 World Cup qualifiers to publish a list of disciplinary decisions globally, including red cards and incidents such as crowd disorder.

This means that Ronaldo will definitely miss Portugal's final match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Furthermore, he is likely to miss at least one more match in the 2026 World Cup finals in the US, Canada and Mexico.

However, Portuguese officials are "preparing an appeal" to FIFA to try to reduce Ronaldo's ban to one match.

Portuguese newspaper Record wrote: "The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) will make a defence based on three points. The first is the tense atmosphere and hostile environment created before the match by the Ireland coach.

Second, Ronaldo acted on instinct when he was held back multiple times, rather than acting on purpose.

Third, Ronaldo was sent off for the first time in his career for the Portuguese national team."

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bo-dao-nha-tinh-xin-fifa-giam-an-cho-ronaldo-vi-trot-dai-lan-dau-20251116190317388.htm