Portuguese football chiefs are set to make an appeal to FIFA about reducing Cristiano Ronaldo's ban to rescue his World Cup dream.

Ronaldo was sent off for the first time in his international career during his country's 2-0 defeat to Ireland on Thursday.

The 40-year-old was sent off for striking Dara O'Shea with a flailing elbow during Portugal 's loss in Dublin following a VAR intervention.

His red card automatically carries a one-match suspension, meaning the forward will be suspended for the final qualifier against Armenia.

However, a disciplinary committee could increase his ban for violent conduct, which only applies to competitive Portugal matches.

As a result, Ronaldo would sit out the World Cup opener , should A Selecao beat Armenia and he receives a two-game suspen

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