Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for 30 days and fined €255 by the Portuguese Football Federation for leaving the national team camp, the FPF announced on Monday.
The 41-year-old captain walked out of Portugal’s Nations League squad in Copenhagen on Sept. 30, a day before the match against Denmark, following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the team. Ronaldo accused Jesus of twice breaking his word regarding his playing time, including after he was an unused substitute in a 2-1 win over Norway on Sept. 27. Jesus denied making any agreement with Ronaldo but left the door open for his return.
The FPF’s disciplinary committee found Ronaldo intentionally violated Article 160(1) of the federation’s disciplinary regulations, which covers unjustified absences from national team duties. The committee imposed the minimum penalty under the rule, which allows for suspensions of one to six months. It cited Ronaldo’s remorse in an Oct. 6 statement, as well as his contributions to football and athletic merit, in its decision. Ronaldo had submitted his CV, including awards and achievements, as part of his defense.
The suspension is retroactive, starting from the day of the Denmark match, meaning Ronaldo has already served 19 days of the ban. He will not miss any Portugal matches, as the team’s next fixtures are against Denmark on Nov. 14 and Wales on Nov. 17. FPF President Pedro Proenca told Portuguese outlet Record there is a “strong desire” to have Ronaldo back with the national team once the matter is resolved.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, both men’s world records. He joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in December 2022.
