Gareth Southgate has criticised FIFA’s handling of Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension ahead of the 2026 World Cup, questioning whether the normal disciplinary process was compromised.

Ronaldo was sent off during Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in November 2025 for violent conduct after elbowing Dara O’Shea. He was initially facing a three-match suspension.

The Portugal captain served one match before FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee suspended the remaining two matches for a one-year probationary period. That decision allowed Ronaldo to play in Portugal’s opening World Cup matches.

Gareth Southgate questions FIFA’s decision on Cristiano Ronaldo

Speaking on The Amol Rajan Connection, Southgate argued that disciplinary decisions should remain with referees and independent panels rather than being influenced by wider football governance.

“Well, you’re interfering with the refereeing of the game. So, you know, there is a referee, then there is a disciplinary panel, and that should be it. If somebody in government in governance starts to interfere with the refereeing of the game, you know, even before the World Cup,

Cristiano Ronaldo, he had a suspension that was overhanging. He did an appearance at an event that looked to be linked to FIFA and lo and behold, you know, he was allowed to play in the first game of the World Cup.”

Southgate then suggested Ronaldo’s status may have played a role in the decision.

“Had he not been Cristiano Ronaldo and I think he’s a wonderful player by the way but I don’t think that would have happened. So you know already we’re graying the areas of what you know what’s what are we interfering with and what are we allowing the game to decide the the natural order of the game.”

FIFA’s disciplinary code does allow sanctions to be fully or partially suspended for a probationary period.

However, Southgate’s criticism centres on the principle of consistency rather than whether FIFA technically had the power to suspend Ronaldo’s ban.

The decision meant Ronaldo was available for Portugal at the World Cup. For Southgate, though, the bigger concern is where the line should be drawn between disciplinary independence and football’s governing bodies.