EXCLUSIVE - MIKE KEEGAN: FIFA could face legal action following their controversial decision to suspend Cristiano Ronaldo's ban and allow him to play in Portugal's first two World Cup games. In a brazen move that has triggered widespread criticism‚ the governing body has taken the extraordinary step of suspending the final two games of a three-match ban issued to the 40-year-old superstar after he was sent off for elbowing Ireland's Dara O'Shea in a qualifier earlier this month. Ronaldo‚ a guest of president Donald Trump in the White House last week‚ sat out Portugal's final World Cup qualifier - a 9-1 thrashing of Armenia - and is effectively now free to play for his country.

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Man City stars Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva clashed with Portugal fans after they suffered an embarrassing defeat by Republic of Ireland. Roberto Martinez's side were beaten 2-0 in Dublin on Thursday‚ with their night made worse when Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off in the second half for swinging his elbow at Dara O'Shea. The result means Portugal are yet to secure their place at next summer's World Cup‚ although a victory over Armenia on Sunday will do just that.

The sending off could also mean that he misses the first game of next summer's World Cup - almost certainly his last - in America‚ Canada and Mexico‚ should Portugal qualify. Straight red cards in international football typically carry a two-match ban‚ although that outcome is yet to be determined. Portugal face Armenia on Sunday in their final World Cup qualifier‚ with their following game - should they qualify - being the opening game of the World Cup.

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