FIFA could face legal challenges over its controversial decision to suspend Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo’s ban, allowing him to play in the country’s first two World Cup games.
The governing body suspended the final two matches of a three-game ban handed to the 40-year-old striker after he was sent off for elbowing Ireland’s Dara O’Shea during a World Cup qualifier earlier this month. Ronaldo missed only Portugal’s final qualifier, a 9-1 win over Armenia, and is now free to feature for his national team.
According to Daily Mail Sport, teams scheduled to face Portugal during the matches Ronaldo was originally banned could take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland. They may seek to overturn FIFA’s decision and reinstate the full suspension. Other nations monitoring the situation are reportedly concerned, as their players may still serve full bans for similar offenses.
Experts say any legal claim would require the affected party to show direct impact and a legal interest in the decision.
FIFA’s disciplinary code states a player should serve “at least three matches or an appropriate period of time” for violent conduct such as elbowing, punching, or kicking. However, Article 27 allows a FIFA judicial committee to “fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”
In Ronaldo’s case, FIFA said the remaining two matches of his ban were suspended under a one-year probation period. If he commits a similar offense during this time, the suspension will be immediately enforced, and additional sanctions could also apply.
FIFA insisted that its disciplinary panel is “fully independent” and acted within the code.
