Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and fined £215 (N380,651.05) by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) for walking out of the national team camp last month.
The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward left Portugal’s Nations League squad in September after being an unused substitute against Norway and learning that he would not start against Denmark on October 1.
Ronaldo subsequently accused Portugal coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word twice, describing the alleged conduct as an “absolute breach of trust” in a lengthy statement explaining his decision to leave the camp.
However, the suspension will not affect his availability for upcoming international fixtures, as the ban took effect from the date of Portugal’s match against Denmark. Ronaldo has already served 19 days of the suspension.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark again in the Nations League on November 14 before travelling to Wales three days later.
In determining the punishment, the FPF disciplinary committee said it considered the “remorse shown” by Ronaldo in his statement, alongside his contributions to football and recognition for sporting achievements.
The committee also disclosed that the forward submitted his curriculum vitae, detailing his awards and career accomplishments, as part of his defence.
Ronaldo had accepted responsibility for his actions and apologised to his teammates and supporters, adding that he deserved to be punished.
Portugal coach Jesus, however, denied reaching any agreement with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner over his starting role but has left the door open for his return to the national team.
FPF president Pedro Proença told Portuguese outlet Record that there was a “strong desire” to have Ronaldo back in the national team once the matter was resolved.
The veteran forward holds the men’s world records for international goals, with 146 strikes in 234 appearances for Portugal. He helped the country win the 2016 European Championship and two UEFA 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.
