Cristiano Ronaldo Handed 30-Day Suspension and €255 Fine by Portuguese Federation

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and fined €255 by the Portuguese Football Federation after leaving the national team’s camp during the UEFA Nations League.

The federation announced the disciplinary decision on Monday, October 19, following an incident involving the 41-year-old forward and head coach Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo left the team’s camp on September 30 after becoming frustrated over his playing time. The disagreement followed Portugal’s match against Norway on September 27, when the forward warmed up as a substitute but was not brought onto the pitch.

He subsequently learned that he would not start Portugal’s next match against Denmark, prompting his departure from the camp. Ronaldo accused Jesus of failing to honour his word regarding his role in the team.

The federation’s regulations provide for suspensions ranging from one to six months for players who leave the national team without authorisation. Ronaldo received the minimum suspension permitted under the rules.

The Federation Portuguese Football disciplinary committee also considered the player’s apology, issued on October 6, in which he acknowledged his mistake and said he was willing to accept any punishment.

Ronaldo’s suspension took effect from October 1, the date of Portugal’s match against Denmark. According to the federation’s announcement, he had already served 19 days of the suspension by Monday and is expected to complete it by the end of October.

The sanction is therefore not expected to prevent him from featuring in Portugal’s upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17, should he be selected.

Despite the controversy, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and record appearance-maker.

Portugal also maintained an impressive run during his absence, winning all four of their Nations League matches and securing qualification for the quarter-finals with two games remaining.

The federation’s decision leaves the door open for Ronaldo’s return to international duty once the suspension has been completed.