Portugal suspends Ronaldo for 30 days after national team walkout

The Portuguese Football Federation’s Disciplinary Council upheld the charge against the forward, who left the team’s base in Copenhagen before Portugal’s Nations League match against Denmark.

The incident followed a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus over Ronaldo’s role in the team. Reuters reported that Ronaldo was an unused substitute against Norway and felt Jesus had gone back on what had been said about his playing time.

Jesus denied making an agreement with the player, but left open the possibility of Ronaldo returning to the squad.

Disciplinary council

Ronaldo left the camp on 30 September.

The FPF disciplinary council found that he had deliberately committed an offence under Article 160(1) of its regulations. Proceedings were opened on 9 October over facts reported two days earlier, Reuters said.

Although the suspension lasts 30 days, Ronaldo had already served part of it by the time the decision was announced on 19 October. A Bola reported that 19 days counted towards the sanction, leaving 11 days to serve. That would mean the suspension ends before Portugal’s November fixtures, although his availability does not guarantee he will be called up.

National representation

After leaving the camp, Ronaldo apologised for his conduct, including for not acknowledging supporters after the Norway match. Reuters reported that he said he remained available to represent Portugal after serving any punishment.

FPF president Pedro Proença has also said that people within the federation want Ronaldo to return once the matter is resolved.

The disagreement has put the relationship between the player and the new coach under scrutiny. Jesus has denied promising Ronaldo a particular role, while still leaving the door open to his return.

The disciplinary decision sets out the penalty for leaving the camp, but whether Ronaldo is included in Portugal’s plans for November will be a separate decision for the coach.