Portugal Provisionally Suspends Ronaldo Over National Team Walkout

Portugal have provisionally suspended Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) opened disciplinary proceedings against the forward over his decision to leave the national team camp.

The federation announced the decision on Saturday, describing the case as urgent. Ronaldo, 41, has apologised to supporters and acknowledged that he must face punishment for his actions.

“Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo,” the FPF said in a statement, confirming his provisional suspension pending a final decision.

The dispute followed Ronaldo’s omission from Portugal’s starting line-up for two Nations League matches. He reportedly became frustrated after warming up as a substitute against Norway on September 27 without playing.

His disappointment deepened when he learnt he would not start against Denmark on October 1. He subsequently left the national team camp, triggering the disciplinary action.

Ronaldo, who holds the record for the most goals and appearances in men’s international football, accused Portugal coach Jorge Jesus of going back on an agreement over his playing time.

Speaking on Tuesday, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward insisted that he had no intention of retiring from international football.

“I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,” Ronaldo said.

He also accepted that the federation had to take action over his conduct, saying his behaviour must be “punished”.

Ronaldo alleged that Jesus had promised to introduce him during the Norway match but failed to honour the agreement. He also claimed that the coach omitted several points they had discussed before his press conference ahead of the Denmark fixture.

Among the issues Ronaldo reportedly wanted addressed was his objection to being asked to warm up without subsequently entering the match.

He argued that asking a player of his stature, comparable to football legends Pele and Diego Maradona, to warm up without playing amounted to a mistake.

Jesus declined to engage in a public dispute with the forward when journalists asked him about Ronaldo’s comments.

“I read the statement, and now, like I do every day, I’m going to the federation headquarters to work, to think about the Portuguese national team,” the 72-year-old coach said.

Jesus had previously indicated that he would consider Ronaldo for international selection if the forward remained active at club level and wanted to represent his country.

Meanwhile, Portuguese media reports indicate that the federation’s rules prescribe suspensions ranging from one to six months for players who miss training sessions, matches or other national team activities.

The final punishment could therefore determine when Ronaldo returns to international duty.

Portugal have already secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals after winning their first four matches in the competition.

The team will host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales on November 17 in their final two Group A4 fixtures.

Despite the dispute, Ronaldo returned to club football on Friday with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, scoring in their 3-0 victory over Diriyah in a Saudi Pro League match.

The goal took his career tally to 980, keeping the veteran forward within reach of the historic 1,000-goal milestone.