The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for 30 days and imposed a €255 fine ($285.83) following his departure from the national team camp earlier this month. The disciplinary council upheld the charge against the 41-year-old forward under Article 160(1) of the federation’s regulations, citing an intentional offense. Proceedings were initiated on October 9 over reported events from October 7.
Ronaldo’s suspension began on October 1, the day of Portugal’s Nations League match against Denmark, and will cover a total of 30 days. The FPF’s statement did not specify which matches or activities the ban would apply to, nor whether time already served under a provisional suspension would count toward the full sanction. Ronaldo later issued a statement apologizing for failing to acknowledge supporters after the Norway match and for leaving his teammates, while reaffirming his availability for selection pending any punishment.
The disciplinary council, operating under the FPF’s non-professional section, determined that Ronaldo’s actions warranted the maximum allowable fine after considering mitigating circumstances. Ronaldo formally admitted the facts underlying the charges in a statement submitted on October 18, which the federation noted contributed to the reduced punishment. He retains the right to appeal the suspension.
Background and Context
The incident stemmed from Ronaldo’s accusation that Portugal coach Jorge Jesus had twice broken an agreement regarding his role in the team. Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal’s September 27 Nations League match against Norway, a game Portugal won 2-1. Following the match, he left the national team camp in Copenhagen before the subsequent fixture against Denmark, departing via private jet to Spain with his family. Ronaldo did not attend the Norway match, having already departed.
Jesus publicly denied reaching any agreement with Ronaldo about his playing time but left open the possibility of his return after Portugal’s October 14 win over Denmark, which secured their Nations League quarterfinal qualification. The FPF confirmed that Portuguese FA president Pedro Proença had stated the federation’s desire for Ronaldo’s eventual return once the matter was resolved.
Timeline of Key Events
- September 27: Portugal defeats Norway; Ronaldo is an unused substitute.
- October 1: Portugal defeats Denmark; Ronaldo is absent from the camp.
- October 7: Reports emerge of Ronaldo’s departure and the dispute with Jesus.
- October 9: FPF initiates disciplinary proceedings.
- October 18: Ronaldo submits a formal statement admitting the facts.
- October 19: FPF announces the 30-day suspension and €255 fine.