FIFA reduces Cristiano Ronaldo’s ban following meeting with Trump

International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has issued a special ruling for Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo, reducing his suspension to one match after receiving a red card, just days after the striker met with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Ronaldo, 40, was initially facing a three-match ban for violent conduct during Portugal’s recent match against Ireland, which would have sidelined him for Portugal’s 2026 World Cup opener.

However, FIFA cited that this was the first red card of Ronaldo’s international career spanning more than two decades, leading to the shortened suspension.

The striker had already served his ban in the subsequent match against Armenia, making him eligible for Portugal’s opening World Cup fixture.

Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez previously defended Ronaldo, arguing that his on-field outburst did not constitute violent conduct.

FIFA clarified that if Ronaldo commits a similar offense during the probationary period, the remaining two-match suspension will be enforced immediately.

The special ruling comes shortly after Ronaldo’s high-profile meetings with President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the latter’s visit to the United States.