Lisbon (GNP): Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for 30 days and fined €255 by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), after leaving the national team camp amid a reported disagreement over his role in the squad.
The federation’s disciplinary council announced the decision on Monday, saying it had upheld the charge against the 41-year-old forward in full. It found him guilty of intentionally committing an offence under Article 160(1) of its disciplinary regulations.
The case dates back to early October. Proceedings were opened on October 9 over incidents reported two days earlier, although the federation did not say which matches or team activities the suspension would cover.
The incidents began at Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen, ahead of a Nations League match against Denmark. Ronaldo left after a disagreement involving head coach Jorge Jesus and FPF president Pedro Proença.
According to the forward, a press conference given by Jesus, followed by a conversation with Proença, led to his decision. Ronaldo had remained on the bench against Norway and accused Jesus of twice breaking promises about his role in the team.
Jesus denied reaching any agreement with the veteran striker, but he left the door open for a return after Portugal’s 2-1 victory.
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Ronaldo later issued a statement of more than 1,700 words to Portuguese media, which he also shared on his social media accounts. In it, he apologised for not acknowledging supporters after the Norway match and for leaving his teammates.
The ruling now raises questions about his international commitments, as the federation has yet to clarify whether time already served under a provisional suspension will count towards the 30-day penalty.
For its part, the FPF has signalled that it wants the matter closed. Proença has said everyone within the federation supported Ronaldo’s return to the national team once the issue had been resolved.
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
