Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo receives a 30-day ban and €255 fine, but is expected to be available for November matches.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine by the Portuguese Football Federation after leaving the national team’s training camp during a dispute over his role in the squad. The federation’s disciplinary council upheld the charge against the 41-year-old forward, ruling that he had deliberately violated its disciplinary regulations.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s base in Copenhagen on Sept. 30, ahead of a Nations League match against Denmark. The departure followed a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus after Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway. Ronaldo said the coach had broken his word about his expected involvement in the team, while Jesus denied that an agreement had been made.
The disciplinary proceedings were opened on Oct. 9, following the incident. The federation found Ronaldo guilty under Article 160(1) of its disciplinary regulations and imposed the suspension alongside the financial penalty. The decision followed a public statement from Ronaldo in which he accepted responsibility for leaving the camp and apologized to his teammates and supporters. He also indicated that he remained willing to represent Portugal after serving any punishment.
Despite the length of the suspension, Ronaldo is expected to be available for Portugal’s next international fixtures in November. The National reported on Tuesday that the ban was being counted from Sept. 30, meaning he had already served 19 days by the time the punishment was reported. Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark on Nov. 14 before travelling to Wales three days later. The federation’s initial announcement did not specify which matches or activities the suspension covered, or explicitly explain how time served under the provisional suspension would be treated.
The disciplinary decision leaves Ronaldo’s future involvement in the national team dependent on his eligibility and Jesus’ selection decisions. The coach has indicated that the door remains open for Ronaldo’s return, while Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença has expressed a desire for the forward to rejoin the squad once the matter is resolved.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record international goalscorer and appearance holder, with 146 goals in 234 appearances, according to reports. He helped the country win the 2016 European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles. The suspension comes as Portugal continues its international campaign, with attention now turning to whether Ronaldo will return to the squad for the November fixtures.
This report is based on reporting by Reuters, The National, Sky Sports and BBC Sport, including details attributed to the Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary decision.