Ronaldo provisionally suspended by Portuguese FA
Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) following his departure from Portugal’s national team camp last month.
The 41-year-old captain left the squad during the September international break after remaining an unused substitute in Portugal’s match against Norway and subsequently learning that he would not start against Denmark.
In a lengthy statement released afterwards, the Al-Nassr striker explained that he had left because Portugal coach Jorge Jesus had twice failed to honour his word, describing the situation as a serious breach of trust.
The FPF confirmed that it imposed a provisional suspension on October 9, 2026, and classified the matter as urgent.
Under the federation’s disciplinary regulations, players who fail to report for or abandon international duty risk a suspension ranging from one to six months, in addition to a fine.
FPF president Pedro Proença, speaking to Portuguese publication Record, called for calm and said discussions were ongoing, while expressing a strong desire to see Ronaldo return to the national team.
He added that the matter would be handled through the federation’s standard disciplinary procedures.
Ronaldo has accepted responsibility for his actions and apologised to his teammates and supporters, acknowledging that he deserved to face disciplinary consequences.
However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has ruled out retiring from international football, insisting he intends to continue playing as he pursues the milestone of 1,000 career goals.
Ronaldo holds the world records for the most goals scored in men’s international football, with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. He has also played a key role in the country’s successes at Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League tournaments.
Although he had considered retiring from international football after the World Cup this summer, he ultimately decided to continue representing his country.
The forward returned to club action last week, scoring his 980th career goal in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 victory over Diriyah Club.
How the Ronaldo dispute unfolded
The disagreement has been building for some time, with debates in Portugal over Ronaldo’s continued place in the starting line-up during the World Cup this summer.
Tensions escalated on October 4 when he was left on the bench throughout Portugal’s Nations League victory over Norway. He subsequently departed the national team camp after learning that he would also not start against Denmark in November.
Ronaldo later published an almost 2,000-word statement on Instagram criticising Jesus. While apologising to his teammates and fans, he dismissed speculation that he had played his final match for Portugal.
He also indicated that a farewell would come at the appropriate time, saying he expected to have one or more opportunities to bid farewell to the national team.
Coach Jesus has previously maintained that the door remains open for Ronaldo to return, although he has not responded to the player’s latest statement.
Portuguese football journalist José Manuel Delgado, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, expressed doubts about whether the relationship could be repaired. He cited Ronaldo’s repeated accusations against Jesus and public opinion in Portugal as factors that could complicate a return.
Despite the controversy, Ronaldo’s contribution to Portuguese football remains significant. However, the dispute has raised fresh questions about his role in the national team as he continues his career at 41.
Source: BBC
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