The record-breaking Portuguese star is now free to play in the opening matches of the tournament next summer despite being sent off for violent conduct in a recent game in Dublin

It's good to have friends in high places. In Cristiano Ronaldo's case, very high places indeed.

The Portuguese superstar's hopes of lighting up a final World Cup were in jeopardy when his dismissal against Republic of Ireland saw a three-match ban pencilled in against his name. But after last week's visit to the White House to see president Donald Trump, a FIFA disciplinary committee has seen fit to indeed impose a three-match ban - albeit with the final two games suspended for one year provided there is no similar infringement during the probation period.

He has already served the one-match suspension, in

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