Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and a fine by the Portuguese Football Federation for walking out on the national team camp during the UEFA Nations League, a punishment that reflects both the seriousness of the offence and the federation’s decision to show leniency to its record-breaking captain. The Ronaldo 30-day suspension means the 41-year-old forward will not miss any of Portugal’s upcoming matches, with the ban already largely served.
The federation’s disciplinary council announced the punishment on Monday, confirming that Ronaldo was found guilty of intentionally committing a disciplinary offence under Article 160(1) of the federation’s regulations. Alongside the 30-day ban, the Al-Nassr star must pay a fine of 255 euros, the maximum allowable fine under the federation’s rules after mitigating circumstances were taken into account.
FAKTA
- Punishment: 30-day suspension from Portugal duty and a 255 euro fine, announced Monday.
- Offence: Leaving the national team camp in Copenhagen on September 30, the eve of the Nations League match against Denmark.
- Background: Ronaldo accused coach Jorge Jesus of breaking an agreement over his playing time after being an unused substitute against Norway.
- Mitigating factors: Ronaldo admitted the facts in a formal statement, showed remorse, and holds a clean disciplinary record.
- Effect: The ban began on October 1, so he has already served most of it and misses no Portugal matches.
Ronaldo 30-Day Suspension: The Fallout With Coach Jorge Jesus
The dispute began during the September international break. Ronaldo played in Portugal’s opening Nations League win over Wales but was left as an unused substitute in the 2-1 victory away to Norway on September 27. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner accused head coach Jorge Jesus of twice breaking his word about his role in the team.
Jesus denied making any such agreement but left the door open for Ronaldo’s return after the victory over Norway. Ronaldo then left the Portugal camp in Copenhagen on September 30, the day before Portugal faced Denmark in the Nations League. He apologised to supporters earlier in October for leaving his teammates and for failing to acknowledge the fans after the Norway match, adding that he would accept whatever punishment was imposed.
In a statement released on Friday, Ronaldo fully admitted the facts underlying the charges. The federation’s disciplinary council said this confession, together with his clean disciplinary record, helped reduce the punishment. The regulations allow for bans of one to six months for walking out on international duty, meaning Ronaldo received the minimum penalty.
A Symbol, Not a Striker: Portugal Thrived Without Their Captain
In a remarkable twist, Portugal won all four of their Nations League matches during the period Ronaldo was absent, qualifying for the quarter-finals with two games to spare. They beat Denmark and Norway again after the walkout, results that underline the squad’s depth even as the federation moved to keep its captain in the fold.
Federation president Pedro Proenca has made clear that Ronaldo remains central to Portugal’s plans, calling him “our captain” and “a key piece” of the national team at a federation event. Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time top scorer and record appearance-maker, remains available for selection once the ban expires, with Portugal hosting Denmark on November 14 and travelling to Wales on November 17 in their final Nations League group matches.
The disciplinary committee noted that it had taken into account “the remorse shown” by Ronaldo in his statement, as well as his contributions to football. Ronaldo can appeal the suspension, though he has not reacted publicly since the decision was announced on Monday. More English sports coverage is available on Watan News.
What Comes Next
The timing of the ban means it will expire before Portugal’s next fixtures, so the Ronaldo 30-day suspension costs him no matches in practice. Whether the fallout with Jesus is fully healed remains the bigger question as Portugal prepares for the Nations League quarter-finals and looks ahead to next summer’s World Cup cycle with or without their greatest ever player at the heart of the team.
