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The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has handed Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo a 30-day suspension and fined him €255 following his departure from the national team’s camp amid a reported disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.
The sanctions were announced on Monday, October 19, 2026, by the federation’s Disciplinary Council after an investigation into the 41-year-old forward’s departure from the squad in Copenhagen, Denmark, on September 30.
According to a report, the council upheld the charge against Ronaldo, finding him guilty of an intentional disciplinary offence under Article 160(1) of the federation’s disciplinary regulations.
The ruling imposed a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine on the Al-Nassr forward, although the federation did not specify the matches or team activities that would be affected by the ban.
Ronaldo reportedly left the national team’s camp ahead of Portugal’s Nations League fixture against Denmark following a disagreement with Jesus over his role and playing time.
Disagreement over playing time
The dispute followed Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on September 27, during which Ronaldo remained an unused substitute despite warming up during the match.
According to reports, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward was unhappy with the decision, claiming that Jesus had broken his word regarding the playing time he had been promised.
The disagreement reportedly contributed to his decision to leave the team’s camp in Copenhagen on September 30, ahead of the scheduled fixture against Denmark.
Ronaldo subsequently apologised to supporters and acknowledged his departure from the camp, while expressing his willingness to accept any punishment imposed by the federation.
The disciplinary proceedings later resulted in the sanctions announced on Monday.
Uncertainty over suspension’s effect
Despite announcing the punishment, the FPF’s Disciplinary Council did not clarify which matches or activities would be covered by the 30-day suspension.
It also remained unclear whether the period covered by any provisional suspension would count towards the final sanction.
The uncertainty could affect Ronaldo’s availability for Portugal’s upcoming fixtures, depending on how the federation applies the ruling and the national team’s selection decisions.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark on November 14, although Ronaldo’s eligibility for the match will depend on the interpretation and implementation of the suspension.
The federation’s decision places the focus on how the disciplinary measure will affect the captain’s involvement with the national team in the coming weeks.
FA president backs Portugal captain
Meanwhile, FPF president Pedro Proença has publicly expressed support for Ronaldo, describing him as one of the most important figures in Portuguese football.
Proença praised the forward’s contribution to the national team and highlighted his significance to the country’s football history.
“We are in the home of the greatest asset Portuguese football has ever produced: Cristiano Ronaldo, our captain,” Proença said, according to ESPN.
“Our captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, is one of our key pieces,” he added.
Ronaldo has captained Portugal for years and played a major role in the country’s international successes, making him one of the most prominent figures in its football history.
The sanctions come amid the reported disagreement between the captain and Jesus over his role in the team, with the federation imposing a formal disciplinary penalty over his departure from the national team’s camp.
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