The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has officially sanctioned Cristiano Ronaldo with a 30-day suspension and a €255 (£215) fine following his dramatic departure from the national team camp. The disciplinary council’s non-professional section ruled that the 41-year-old forward intentionally violated Article 160(1) of the federation’s regulations by leaving the base in Copenhagen before the Nations League fixture against Denmark. This formal decision upholds the initial charge filed on October 9, marking a significant escalation in the public rift between the star striker and head coach Jorge Jesus.
Disciplinary council confirms walkout penalty as Ronaldo’s return remains uncertain
The suspension stems from Ronaldo’s accusation that Jesus broke a verbal agreement regarding his role in the squad, a claim the manager firmly denied. The incident occurred after Ronaldo was named an unused substitute in the 2-1 win over Norway, prompting him to walk out of the camp entirely. While Jesus has stated there was no prior deal, he has left the door open for Ronaldo’s return to the squad, suggesting the conflict may not be permanent despite the formal disciplinary action now taken by the FPF.
Key takeaways from the ruling include the ambiguity surrounding the suspension’s scope, as the statement did not specify which upcoming matches or training activities are covered. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether time already served under a provisional suspension will count toward the 30-day term. This administrative uncertainty adds a layer of complexity to Ronaldo’s immediate future with Portugal, as the federation balances disciplinary integrity with the player’s status as a global icon.
Source: The Guardian Sport
