Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Faces Potential FIFA Ban After Red Card
Cristiano Ronaldo, a star soccer player for Portugal, got a red card in a game.
This means he might not be allowed to play in some upcoming matches.
FIFA, the world's soccer organization, will decide how many games he has to miss.
They usually take about three weeks to make these decisions.
A one-game ban is automatic for a red card.
However, because the referee upgraded it to a red card after watching a video, the ban could be longer, possibly two or three games.
These extra games must be played in important matches, like the World Cup, not just friendly games.
Portugal's coach thinks the red card might have been a bit harsh because Ronaldo was being bothered by other players.
Ronaldo is hoping to play in a record sixth World Cup, and the length of his ban could affect that.
Cristiano Ronaldo received a red card for striking Ireland defender Dara O’Shea with an elbow during a World Cup qualifier.
FIFA is expected to deliver its verdict on Ronaldo's potential ban in approximately three weeks.
The ban could range from two to three games, depending on FIFA's classification of the offense as 'serious foul play' or 'violent conduct'.
A one-game suspension is mandatory, with additional games needing to be served in competitive matches, potentially including the World Cup.
Portugal's coach suggested the incident looked worse than it was and that Ronaldo was provoked by defenders.
- Who
- Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal national football team player
- What
- Received a red card and is awaiting a FIFA verdict on a potential ban for the 2026 World Cup.
- When
- Thursday (incident); FIFA verdict expected in approximately three weeks.
- Where
- Dublin, Ireland (during a World Cup qualifier match)
- Why
- Shown a red card for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea during a match.
FIFA Disciplinary Rules
Portugal Coach Roberto Martinez's Perspective
Nature of Offense
FIFA Disciplinary Rules
FIFA rules mandate a ban of at least two matches for 'serious foul play' or at least three matches for 'violent conduct', based on the referee's video review of the elbowing incident.
Portugal Coach Roberto Martinez's Perspective
Coach Martinez suggested the action, which he didn't believe was a clear elbow, looked worse than it was due to Ronaldo trying to get away from defenders and being physically provoked by them.
Severity and Intent
FIFA Disciplinary Rules
The incident, resulting in a red card after a video review, will be judged by FIFA disciplinary judges to determine if it constitutes serious foul play or violent conduct.
Portugal Coach Roberto Martinez's Perspective
Martinez implied the red card was 'harsh,' noting Ronaldo's long career without a previous red card and suggesting the contact was a result of defenders' actions against him.
- Player
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Incident
- Red card for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea
- Match
- Portugal vs. Ireland (World Cup qualifier)
- Date of Incident
- Thursday
- Potential Ban
- Minimum of two matches for serious foul play, or three for violent conduct.
- Decision Maker
- FIFA
- Expected Verdict Timeline
- Approximately three weeks
- Ronaldo's Career Red Cards
- First career red card in 23 seasons and 226 games for Portugal.
