\n<\/p>\n
Earlier this week, Ronaldo announced next year’s World Cup would be his final major tournament, but now he is likely to miss the start of it.<\/p>\n
The red card he received automatically carries a one-match suspension, ruling him out of Sunday’s crucial qualifier against Armenia.<\/p>\n
But violent conduct almost always carries an extended suspension and the extra games would only be served in competitive fixtures. <\/p>\n
If Portugal get the win they need against Armenia to qualify directly, their next competitive match would be their opening group game at the World Cup.<\/p>\n
If the unlikely happens and Portugal do drop into the play-offs, the 40-year-old would sit out the semi-final and perhaps the final.<\/p>\n
But how many games will Ronaldo get? That is in the hands of Fifa’s disciplinary committee.<\/p>\n
Technically, Fifa could opt not to extend Ronaldo’s ban at all, meaning he would not be at risk of missing the start of the tournament.<\/p>\n
However, Fifa disciplinary code states that a red card for “assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting or hitting an opponent” should carry a three-match suspension. That would see Ronaldo miss Portugal’s first two World Cup group games or both play-off matches.<\/p>\n
But it’s not quite as simple as that, as Fifa judges these matters on a case-by-case basis. <\/p>\n
For instance, at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, England forward Lauren James was given two matches for stamping on the back of Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie.<\/p>\n
So, Ronaldo should be banned for three games, but he might only receive a two-match suspension.<\/p>\n
There is no confirmed date for the decision, but after previous international windows the Fifa disciplinary committee met at the start of the following month. <\/p>\n
That would mean Ronaldo would learn his fate closer to the World Cup draw on 5 December.<\/p>\n
This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything<\/i> team.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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