Cristiano Ronaldo hit with 30-day ban for Portugal camp walkout

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and a fine of €255 by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) for leaving the team camp without authorisation.

The 41-year-old forward left Portugal’s camp on September 30 after being overlooked for selection ahead of the UEFA Nations League match against Denmark on October 1.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure followed his frustration at being made to warm up as a substitute against Norway on September 27 without coming on, before learning he would not start against Denmark. He subsequently accused coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word over promised playing time.

He later apologised to supporters on October 6, admitting his mistake and saying he would accept any punishment imposed by the federation.

The FPF disciplinary committee handed Cristiano Ronaldo the minimum suspension provided for under its regulations, which stipulate bans of between one and six months for leaving the national team without permission.

The committee said it considered “the remorse shown in the statement” issued by Ronaldo when determining the punishment.

His suspension took effect from the date of Portugal’s match against Denmark, meaning he had already served 19 days of the ban when the decision was announced on Monday. He is expected to complete the suspension by the end of October.

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and record appearance-maker in men’s international football.

Portugal, however, maintained their strong form in his absence, winning all four of their Nations League matches and securing qualification for the quarter-finals with two games to spare.

The suspension is expected to have no impact on Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability for Portugal’s final Group A4 fixtures against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17, as he will have completed the ban by then.