Cristiano Ronaldo avoids immediate suspension as FIFA defers two games of his three-match ban, triggering controversy ahead of the FIFA World Cup. (Image Credit: X/ ESPN UK)
The football world was taken aback as FIFA opted to partly defer a three-match ban imposed on Cristiano Ronaldo for violent conduct, thus allowing the superstar a likely feature in his country's upcoming World Cup matches. This is a controversial decision according to many and again brings into debate consistency and fairness in disciplinary punishment at the highest levels.
Ronaldo was red carded in a World Cup qualifying match for elbowing an opponent an act judged to be “violent conduct.”
Under normal regulations, such behavior is subject to a multi match ban. FIFA initially ruled a three match ban, of which the first game has been served. Instead of banning him for all three matches immediately, FIFA deferred the remaining two games under a one year probation period.
According to the disciplinary framework of FIFA, some sanctions can be partly deferred but doing this in a case of serious foul play with a three-match ban is rare. The governing body judged that though the offense warranted punishment, deferral of part of the ban may be acceptable under "exceptional circumstances."
Consequently, Ronaldo is now free to participate in forthcoming competitive matches, including World Cup matches that might come his way, provided he does not commit another serious offence during the probation period.
The decision has received heated reactions across the global football fraternity. Critics feel that it erodes the fairness and deterrent power of disciplinary sanctions, since such leniency has been shown to a world-class player, when at other times his less well-known counterparts receive a full ban.
Supporters argue that, so long as the first match of the ban was served and the risk of reoffending remains low, deferral offers a chance for rehabilitation without harsh punishment. Many wonder if similar discretion would be shown to players from smaller nations or less prominent clubs.
With the ban partially deferred, Ronaldo remains eligible for selection in all of his country's upcoming matches, including major tournaments, if qualification holds.
The suspension of these games will only be effective if he commits a similar offense within a year. What this means, practically speaking, is that his participation in the near future is likely unaffected, hence giving his national team a significant boost.
