According to the decision by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, accessed by Lusa news agency, the 40-year-old player was handed a three-match ban after being sent off with a straight red card in the 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland on November 13th, during the fifth and penultimate round of Group F in the European qualifiers for the World Cup.
Ronaldo served his suspension three days later, missing the home win over Armenia (9-1) in Porto, which secured Portugal’s ninth, and seventh consecutive, appearance at the world’s top national team competition.
This came before FIFA reviewed the Portuguese Football Federation’s (FPF) appeal to ensure the forward would not be suspended for more than one match, following his first-ever sending off in 226 international appearances.