Cristiano Ronaldo handed 30-day suspension by Portuguese federation after leaving training camp
Cristiano Ronaldo was handed a 30-day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation on Monday after leaving Portugal's training camp ahead of a UEFA Nations League fixture against Denmark earlier this month. The sanction was announced by the federation following the forward's departure from the national base in Copenhagen.
The case stemmed from a dispute between Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus over the player's role in the side, which the forward said involved Jesus twice going back on his word. The disagreement followed Ronaldo being an unused substitute in Portugal's match against Norway. Ronaldo left the squad before the Denmark match, and the federation opened disciplinary proceedings on October 9 over events that had reportedly taken place two days earlier.
The federation's disciplinary council confirmed on Monday that it had upheld the charge against the 41-year-old in full. Its non-professional section ruled that Ronaldo had intentionally committed an offence under Article 160(1) of the federation's disciplinary regulations. The panel also imposed a fine of €255 ($285.83).
Jorge Jesus denied that he had made any agreement with Ronaldo. Despite the fallout, Jesus left the door open for the forward's return after Portugal secured a 2-1 victory. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca had previously indicated there was a desire within the federation to see Ronaldo return once the matter was resolved.
Ronaldo apologised for his conduct following the Norway match, acknowledging that he had failed to recognise the supporters and had left his teammates behind when he departed the camp. He restated his willingness to represent Portugal and said he remained available for selection after serving any punishment arising from the incident. The apology was identified in federation reports as a factor that could help the team move beyond the controversy.
The federation's statement did not specify which matches or national-team activities would be affected by the 30-day suspension, nor did it clarify whether any time already served under provisional suspension would be deducted from the final punishment. That lack of detail leaves questions over the practical implications of the sanction and Ronaldo's immediate availability for Portugal. The federation said its immediate priority was to settle the matter so the team could concentrate on its sporting commitments.
Uncertainty therefore remains over the exact scope of the punishment and when Ronaldo will next be eligible to represent Portugal; until the federation clarifies how the suspension will be applied, the impact on his availability will remain unclear.
