Ronaldo given 30-day suspension and £215 fine by Portuguese FA
Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and fined €255 (£215) by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) for leaving the national team’s camp during the international break last month.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain withdrew from the country’s Nations League squad in September after remaining an unused substitute against Norway and subsequently learning that he would not start against Denmark on October 1.
In a lengthy statement, Ronaldo explained that he left because Portugal coach Jorge Jesus had twice gone back on his word, describing the situation as a serious breach of trust.
The Al-Nassr forward’s suspension was backdated to the day of the Denmark match, meaning he has already served 19 days of the ban and will not miss any of Portugal’s upcoming fixtures.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark again in the Nations League on November 14 before travelling to Wales three days later.
The FPF disciplinary committee said it considered the remorse Ronaldo expressed in his statement, as well as his contributions to football and recognition for his sporting achievements, when determining the punishment.
The committee also disclosed that the forward submitted his curriculum vitae, detailing his awards and accomplishments, as part of his defence.
Ronaldo referred the committee to his earlier statement, in which he accepted responsibility for his actions, apologised to his teammates and supporters, and acknowledged that he deserved to be punished.
Portugal coach Jesus denied reaching any agreement with the forward but has indicated that the door remains open for his return to the national team.
FPF president Pedro Proença also told Portuguese publication Record that there was a strong desire to welcome Ronaldo back to the squad once the matter had been resolved.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, making him the record international goalscorer and most-capped male player in international football.
He has helped the national team win Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles.
Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in December 2022 on a reported annual salary of £177 million and signed a contract extension last year.
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