Ronaldo’s World Cup Joins the Finely Tuned Bailout: FIFA’s Clever Move Keeps Him in the Spotlight
A Spanish newspaper reports that FIFA used a legal dodge to spare Cristiano Ronaldo from missing the World Cup opener. Ronaldo was sent off in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Ireland, which would normally suspend him for three matches. FIFA’s discipline committee reportedly granted a one‑match ban with two conditional games. As a result, Ronaldo can play from the World Cup start, with extra punishment only if he repeats the offense. The 2026 World Cup may be Ronaldo’s last, and he hints it could be his final bow at age 41.