Portugal has provisionally suspended Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) begins urgent disciplinary proceedings over the veteran forward’s controversial departure from the national team camp.
The decision follows a disagreement involving the 41-year-old captain and head coach Jorge Jesus over his playing time during Portugal’s recent international fixtures.
The federation confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated, with the matter referred for urgent consideration by the relevant disciplinary authorities.
The provisional suspension is not a final punishment, as the investigation will determine whether Ronaldo breached federation regulations and what sanctions, if any, should be imposed.
Ronaldo reportedly became frustrated after remaining an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on September 27. His frustration intensified after he was informed that he would not start the subsequent fixture against Denmark.
The disagreement reportedly centred on an understanding between Ronaldo and Jesus regarding his participation in the two matches.
Ronaldo claimed the coach had promised him playing time against Norway but failed to honour the arrangement after asking him to warm up without eventually bringing him onto the pitch.
Jesus, however, denied that there was any binding agreement guaranteeing Ronaldo a specific amount of playing time.
Following the disagreement, Ronaldo left the national team camp in Copenhagen ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Denmark, prompting the federation to initiate disciplinary action.
Under the reported disciplinary rules, leaving a national team activity without valid justification could attract a suspension ranging from one to six months, alongside a possible financial penalty.
However, the potential sanctions do not constitute a confirmed sentence against Ronaldo, whose case remains under investigation.
The Portugal captain has acknowledged that his decision to leave the camp could have consequences.
He apologised for leaving his teammates and failing to acknowledge supporters following the match against Norway, while maintaining that his actions stemmed from his belief that the coach had gone back on their understanding regarding his role in the team.
Despite the controversy, Ronaldo has indicated his willingness to continue representing Portugal after serving any punishment imposed by the federation.
His position suggests that he has not announced his retirement from international football, although his availability for upcoming fixtures will depend on the outcome of the disciplinary process.
FPF President Pedro Proença has indicated that the federation, coaching staff, captain and players would like to see Ronaldo return once the matter is resolved.
Proença, however, stressed that the independent disciplinary body must be allowed to handle the proceedings and determine the appropriate outcome.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark on November 14 before travelling to play Wales on November 17 in their final Nations League group fixtures.
Ronaldo’s availability for those matches will depend on the disciplinary decision and any suspension imposed.
The episode represents a significant test of the relationship between Portugal’s record men’s international goalscorer and appearance-maker and the national team, which he has captained for years.
The outcome is also expected to underline the importance of discipline and accountability within the squad, irrespective of a player’s status or achievements.
For now, Ronaldo remains provisionally suspended, with the investigation ongoing and no final punishment confirmed.
