C. Ronaldo learns FIFA verdict after slapping an opponent.

2025-11-25 21:16 © PA

The leader of the Portugal national team, Cristiano Ronaldo, breathed a sigh of relief.

The 40-year-old managed to evade a very severe FIFA punishment for receiving a scandalous red card in the World Cup qualifying match against the Ireland team.

The veteran faced a ban for two or even three matches, which would have meant missing the striker's start in the upcoming World Cup.

However, FIFA took a lenient view of C. Ronaldo's actions and imposed a one-match ban, which has already been served in the last qualifying match against Armenia.

At the same time, C. Ronaldo received a warning that he also received a conditional penalty – if the player misbehaves during the World Cup, he will receive a suspension for two matches hanging over his head now.

The red card against Irish defender Dara O'Shea was the first in 226 matches for the Portugal team. According to the press, the context of the incident also contributed to the more lenient FIFA punishment.