World Cup: Burley slams FIFA over decision on Ronaldo suspension

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Craig Burley, a former midfielder for Chelsea, has taken issue with FIFA for permitting Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal, to represent his nation in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Burley called FIFA’s decision to suspend the ban and lower Ronaldo’s red card to a one-game punishment “a mockery and a shame.”

Remember how Ronaldo got sent off for elbowing Dara O’Shea off the ball during Portugal’s 2-0 loss to Ireland?

For Portugal’s final qualifying victory over Armenia, the Al-Nassr attacker was suspended.

Speaking on ESPN FC, Burley said, “If Gianni Infantino had any shame…because let’s be honest, he’d sell his soul for money, he’s shown that with the Club World Cup and the extended World Cup.

“They have made a mockery of their own disciplinary process, a complete shame. What this says to refs and other professionals is, ‘Maybe you should not send off the big stars, keep it to the guys under the radar because we want these big stars at a major tournament’.

“When have you ever seen any player get a probation after getting sent off for violent conduct. It is a 3 game ban and that is it, you can’t give someone a three-game ban and tell them you can have two games off.

“This has made a mockery of the organisation because they are making the rules up for themselves. If that had been any other player…… they would have three-game suspension, and they would have missed the World Cup or the first couple games of the World Cup.

“But for Cristiano Ronaldo, there is different rules and if FIFA try and tell you anything different, then they are talking absolute nonsense.”

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