FIFA Accused of Favouring Cristiano Ronaldo With Latest Decision

Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has criticised FIFA for allowing Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo to play in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

Burley said FIFA’s decision was “a mockery” and “a shame” after they reduced Ronaldo’s punishment from a three-match ban to just one game.

Ronaldo was shown a red card in Portugal’s 2–0 loss to Ireland after elbowing Dara O’Shea off the ball.

Because of the suspension, the Al-Nassr striker missed Portugal’s final qualifier against Armenia.

Speaking on ESPN FC, Burley said: “If Gianni Infantino had any shame… Let’s be honest, he’d sell his soul for money. He has already shown that with the Club World Cup and the bigger World Cup.”

He added: “They have made fun of their own disciplinary system. It’s a complete disgrace. What this tells referees and others is: ‘Don’t send off the big stars. Only punish the players who are less famous, because we want the big names at the major tournaments.’

“When have you ever seen a player get a warning instead of a full ban for violent conduct? It should be a three-game ban, and that’s that. You can’t give someone a three-match suspension and then say they can skip two of the games.

“This makes FIFA look foolish because they are changing the rules to suit themselves. If it had been any other player, they would have received the full three-game ban and missed either the World Cup or at least the first few games.

“But for Cristiano Ronaldo, they have different rules. And if FIFA try to tell you otherwise, they are talking complete nonsense.”