4 hours ago
1
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and fined €255 by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) for leaving the national team’s training camp without authorisation during the September international break.
The punishment was announced on Monday by the federation’s Disciplinary Council, which found the 41-year-old forward guilty of an intentional disciplinary offence under Article 160(1) of its disciplinary regulations.
In its ruling, the council said the charge against Ronaldo had been fully established, imposing a 30-day suspension alongside a fine of €255.
The decision followed Ronaldo’s departure from Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen, Denmark, on September 30, ahead of the team’s Nations League fixture against Denmark.
The Al-Nassr striker’s exit came after he was left unused in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on September 27. Ronaldo was reportedly unhappy after being told he would feature for about 30 minutes but was not brought on despite warming up.
Ronaldo subsequently accused head coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word twice, including over his expected playing time and an alleged understanding about comments to be made before the Denmark match.
In a lengthy statement released after the incident, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner explained his decision to leave the camp, apologised to his teammates and supporters, and accepted that his actions could attract disciplinary consequences.
He also stressed that his departure did not mean he was retiring from international football, reiterating his desire to continue representing Portugal.
The Portuguese federation opened disciplinary proceedings on October 9 and initially imposed a provisional suspension while the case was investigated.
Under Article 160 of the federation’s regulations, a player who abandons or unjustifiably fails to attend national-team training, matches or other official activities can face a suspension ranging from one to six months.
Reports by Portuguese sports media said Ronaldo had already served 19 days of the suspension by the time the final sanction was announced, leaving 11 days outstanding. He is therefore expected to be available for Portugal’s next squad selection, subject to the applicable rules and any further developments.
The disciplinary decision places a formal penalty on one of the most influential figures in Portuguese football, whose role as national-team captain carries considerable responsibility.
Ronaldo holds international records for Portugal, including the most appearances and goals for the men’s national team. His departure from camp had raised questions about his relationship with the coaching staff, although both the player’s apology and the federation’s disciplinary process have left the door open for his continued involvement.
English (US) ·