Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and fined €255 by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after leaving the national team camp following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the squad.
The federation’s disciplinary council announced the decision on Monday, October 19, upholding the charge against the 41-year-old forward in full.
However, Ronaldo has already served part of the suspension, meaning the punishment is not expected to affect Portugal’s upcoming Nations League matches in November.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen on September 30, ahead of the team’s Nations League match against Denmark on October 1.
His departure followed growing frustration over his playing time under Jesus, who had recently taken charge of the national team.
The disagreement centred on Ronaldo’s involvement in Portugal’s matches during the international break. He had warmed up as a substitute during Portugal’s match against Norway on September 27 but was not brought onto the pitch.
Ronaldo subsequently accused Jesus of breaking his word twice regarding his role in the team. He was also unhappy after learning that he would not start against Denmark, prompting him to leave the camp before the fixture.
Jesus denied having made an agreement with Ronaldo over his playing time, although he left the door open for the forward’s return to the squad after Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Denmark.
The disciplinary council found that Ronaldo had intentionally committed an offence under Article 160(1) of the federation’s disciplinary regulations.
The proceedings were formally opened on October 9 following reports concerning his departure from the camp.
According to the federation’s regulations, leaving the national team without permission can attract a suspension ranging from one to six months. AFP reported that Ronaldo received the minimum penalty under the rules, alongside the €255 fine.
The Portuguese captain had earlier acknowledged his mistake. In a statement issued on October 6, he apologised for leaving his teammates and failing to acknowledge supporters after the match against Norway. He also indicated that he would accept whatever disciplinary punishment was imposed.
The suspension took effect from the date of Portugal’s match against Denmark on October 1. By October 20, Ronaldo had served 19 days of the 30-day sanction, with the remaining period expected to expire before Portugal’s next international fixtures.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark on November 14 before travelling to Wales for their Nations League encounter on November 17.
Ronaldo is therefore expected to be available for both matches, subject to selection by Jesus.
FPF president Pedro Proença has also expressed his desire for Ronaldo to return to the national team once the disciplinary matter is resolved.
The decision brings a formal end to the disciplinary proceedings over Ronaldo’s departure, although his relationship with Jesus and his role in Portugal’s squad will remain under scrutiny as the team prepares for its upcoming international assignments.
