Cristiano Ronaldo provisionally suspended by Portuguese federation after Portugal walkout

Cristiano Ronaldo was provisionally suspended after the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced on Saturday (October 10, 2026) that it had opened disciplinary proceedings against the 41-year-old over his decision to walk out on the national team, the federation said in Barcelona, Spain. The move follows public criticism by Ronaldo of national coach Jorge Jesus and the player's own statement that he would accept any punishment.

Ronaldo apologised to supporters earlier this week while criticising Jorge Jesus and said he would accept any punishment that was imposed. He left Portugal’s squad after first being made to warm up as a substitute against Norway on September 27 and not brought on, and then finding out he would not start against Denmark in the match on October 1. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker is Portugal’s all-time top goalscorer and record appearance-maker.

“Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo,” said the federation in a statement, classifying the case as “urgent” and confirming Ronaldo is currently suspended pending a decision on the final punishment.

On Tuesday (October 6), Ronaldo accused coach Jesus of breaking his word about giving him game time in Nations League matches but insisted he was not retiring from international duty and would be available to play once any potential punishment was served. “I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,” Ronaldo said, while accepting his actions must be “punished” by the federation.

Portugal won all four of their Nations League matches and qualified for the quarter-finals with two games to spare.

Ronaldo returned to club action on Friday (October 9) with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr and scored as they won 3-0 against Diriyah in a Saudi Pro League match.

The FPF must now decide the final punishment that will determine Ronaldo’s eligibility for selection; a ruling by the federation is pending.