Ronaldo Fined and Suspended by Portugal FA

Cristiano Ronaldo has received a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine from the Portuguese Football Federation after leaving Portugal’s international camp in September, following a dispute over his selection for a Nations League match.

Ronaldo punished for leaving camp

The 41-year-old Portugal captain was disciplined after leaving the national team camp following disagreements over his role in the squad. Ronaldo had been an unused substitute against Norway and later learned he would not start against Denmark on 1 October.

The Al-Nassr forward subsequently accused Portugal coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word on two occasions, describing the situation as a serious breach of trust.

In a lengthy public statement, Ronaldo explained his decision to leave the camp and acknowledged that his actions warranted consequences. He also apologised to his teammates and supporters, accepting responsibility for the controversy.

The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the punishment, imposing a 30-day suspension alongside a fine of €255, equivalent to approximately £215.

Suspension already partly served

Ronaldo’s suspension was backdated to the day of Portugal’s match against Denmark, meaning he had already served 19 days of the ban when the decision was reported.

As a result, the punishment is not expected to force him to miss any of Portugal’s upcoming international matches.

Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark again on 14 November before travelling to Wales three days later. Ronaldo’s eligibility for those fixtures is therefore not expected to be affected by the suspension.

The timing of the sanction means the disciplinary action will have limited consequences for Portugal’s immediate international schedule, although the dispute has drawn attention to the relationship between the captain and the national team’s coaching staff.

Federation considers Ronaldo’s apology

The FPF disciplinary committee said it considered several factors when determining the punishment, including the remorse Ronaldo expressed in his statement.

The committee also took account of his contributions to football and his recognition for sporting achievements.

According to the federation, Ronaldo submitted his curriculum vitae as part of his defence, detailing his awards, career milestones and accomplishments.

He also directed the committee to his earlier public statement, in which he accepted responsibility for leaving the camp, apologised to his teammates and fans, and acknowledged that he deserved to be punished.

The decision reflects the federation’s disciplinary response while recognising Ronaldo’s long-standing contribution to Portuguese football.

Coach leaves door open for return

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has denied making any agreement with Ronaldo but has indicated that the door remains open for the forward’s return.

The disagreement centred on Ronaldo’s understanding of discussions about his role in the squad and the coach’s decision not to select him for the starting lineup against Denmark.

The situation raised questions about the future of the relationship between the veteran striker and the national team. However, comments from federation leadership suggest there remains a desire to resolve the matter.

Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, told Portuguese publication Record that there was a strong desire to welcome Ronaldo back to the national team once the issue had been settled.

No permanent exclusion from the squad has been announced, and the suspension itself is not expected to prevent Ronaldo from participating in the upcoming fixtures.

Ronaldo’s historic Portugal career

Ronaldo remains one of the most decorated players in international football. He has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, world records for men’s international football in both categories.

He helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship and has also been part of the teams that secured two UEFA Nations League titles.

At club level, Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in December 2022 on a reported annual salary of £177 million. He signed a contract extension the following year, continuing his career in the Saudi Pro League.

While the disciplinary case marks another dispute involving the Portugal captain, the federation’s decision leaves open the possibility of his continued involvement with the national team.