Spain

Portuguese Federation Will Not Prevent Cristiano Ronaldo Playing For Real Madrid

The way is clear for Ronaldo to return to action for Madrid next weekend.

Nov 15, 2009 4:08:49 PM

Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Xerez (MARCA)

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Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Xerez (MARCA)

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The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) have said that they will not prevent national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo from playing for Real Madrid in their next Primera Liga fixture against Racing Santander on Saturday.

Under FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, a player who misses an international call-up due to injury cannot play for his club for five days after the last fixture of their respective international team without the permission of his national team.

It now appears though that the 24-year-old is clear to play in the game at the Bernabeu on Saturday, barring an injury setback, in a match that comes just three days after Portugal's second leg tie in Bosnia.

"The FPF was already resigned not being able to call the player [Ronaldo]. We believe that he was unable to play then, but if he has recovered, Real Madrid can use him whenever they want. We will not prevent anything," said Carlos Godinho, Portugal's sporting director.

Ronaldo returns to ball drills at training with Los Merengues on Monday and, barring setbacks, is expected to resume full training with his team-mates early in the week and should be fit to face Racing, a week ahead of Madrid's all important trip to Camp Nou to face Barcelona.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

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