Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly been handed a 30-day suspension and fined €255 (£215) by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) following his departure from Portugal’s national team camp in September. The disciplinary decision comes after the 41-year-old football superstar expressed frustration over his role in the squad and accused the national team coach of breaking an agreement regarding his participation.
Ronaldo, who captains Portugal and plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, reportedly left the national team camp after being an unused substitute against Norway and learning that he would not be included in the starting lineup for the match against Denmark on 1 October.
In a lengthy public statement, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner accused Portugal coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word on two occasions, describing the situation as an “absolute breach of trust.” His comments highlighted the disagreement surrounding his expected involvement in the team and the circumstances that led to his departure.
Despite the suspension, Ronaldo is not expected to miss any Portugal matches because the ban took effect from the day of the Denmark fixture. Reports indicate that he has already served 19 days of the suspension, meaning the disciplinary action is unlikely to affect his availability for Portugal’s upcoming international commitments.
The FPF disciplinary committee reportedly took several factors into consideration before determining the punishment. These included Ronaldo’s expression of remorse, his contributions to football and the recognition he has received for his sporting achievements. As part of his defence, the forward also submitted his curriculum vitae, outlining his career accomplishments and awards.
Ronaldo also referred the committee to his earlier statement, in which he accepted responsibility for his actions and apologised to his teammates and supporters. He acknowledged that his conduct deserved punishment, a position that appeared to demonstrate his willingness to accept the consequences of leaving the national team camp.
Portugal’s coach, Jorge Jesus, denied making any agreement with Ronaldo concerning his selection for the matches. However, the possibility of the veteran forward returning to the national team remains open, with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença reportedly expressing a strong desire to see the dispute resolved and Ronaldo return to international duty.
Proença, speaking to Portuguese publication Record, indicated that there was a strong desire for Ronaldo to rejoin the national team once the matter had been settled. His comments suggest that the disciplinary action may not necessarily mark the end of Ronaldo’s involvement with Portugal.
Ronaldo remains one of the most influential players in international football history. He has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, figures cited in the supplied report as men’s international records. His achievements include helping Portugal win the 2016 European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles.
At club level, Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in December 2022 on a reported annual salary of £177 million. He subsequently signed a contract extension, continuing his career in Saudi Arabia while maintaining his status as one of football’s most recognisable figures.
The suspension therefore appears to be a disciplinary matter rather than a major setback to Portugal’s immediate international campaign. With the federation signalling its willingness to resolve the dispute, attention will turn to whether Ronaldo and the national team management can move beyond the disagreement and restore their working relationship.
