Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and fined €255 by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after leaving the national team camp during the September international break.
The disciplinary decision was announced on Monday, October 19, following an incident involving the 41-year-old forward and Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the team.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen, Denmark, on September 30, ahead of the national team’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Denmark. The departure followed his frustration after being left on the bench without playing in Portugal’s match against Norway on September 27.
The Al-Nassr forward reportedly believed the coach had broken promises about his playing time. Jesus, however, denied making an agreement with Ronaldo but did not rule out the possibility of the striker returning to the team.
The federation’s disciplinary council upheld the charge against Ronaldo, ruling that he had intentionally committed an offence under Article 160(1) of its disciplinary regulations.
The punishment includes a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine. According to reports, the federation considered Ronaldo’s apology and his willingness to accept responsibility when determining the sanction.
Ronaldo had apologised earlier in October for leaving his teammates and failing to acknowledge supporters following the match against Norway. He also said he remained available to represent Portugal after serving any punishment imposed on him.
Despite the suspension, Ronaldo is expected to be available for Portugal’s next Nations League fixtures in November because part of the sanction has already been served.
The Portuguese Football Federation’s ruling did not initially clarify whether all time served under the provisional suspension would count towards the final 30-day ban. However, reports from AFP indicate that the suspension is expected to be completed before Portugal’s next match.
Portugal are scheduled to host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales on November 17 in their Nations League campaign.
The incident has drawn attention to Ronaldo’s relationship with the national team’s coaching staff as he continues his international career. The forward remains Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and one of the most recognisable figures in world football.
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença has expressed a desire for Ronaldo to return to the national team once the disciplinary matter is resolved.
The latest decision brings a formal conclusion to the disciplinary proceedings over Ronaldo’s departure from camp, although questions about his role under Jesus may continue as Portugal prepare for their upcoming fixtures.