Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (AP Photo)
Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to walk out of Portugal's national team camp following a reported disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus has cost the superstar forward a 30-day suspension and a fine of €255 ($285), with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) describing the punishment as “adequate and sufficient”.The FPF announced the disciplinary decision on Monday, confirming that the 41-year-old had admitted the facts underlying the charges in a formal statement submitted on Friday. His admission and clean disciplinary record were considered mitigating circumstances, helping reduce the sanction. The fine was the maximum permitted after those circumstances were taken into account.Ronaldo, who had already apologised for his actions and acknowledged that he deserved to be punished, can appeal the decision.
The Portugal captain had not immediately reacted publicly to the announcement.
Rift with coach sparks dramatic exit
The controversy erupted during Portugal's recent Nations League campaign after Ronaldo was left on the bench for the team's match against Norway on September 27. Portugal won the game 2-1, but the forward was reportedly frustrated after being left unused despite believing that Jesus had assured him he would feature for around 30 minutes.
Ronaldo also accused the coach of breaking a second agreement to publicly explain the situation. Jesus denied making any such promises but left the door open for the forward's return after the match.The disagreement escalated when Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp ahead of the subsequent Nations League fixture against Denmark. The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently initiated disciplinary proceedings over the incident, with the case formally opened in October.The federation's disciplinary council found that Ronaldo had intentionally committed an offence under Article 160(1) of its disciplinary regulations. The player had also apologised for failing to acknowledge supporters after the Norway match and for leaving his teammates, while accepting that his conduct could not go unpunished.
Suspension backdated, Ronaldo set for return
Despite the disciplinary action, Ronaldo is expected to be available for Portugal's next Nations League fixture against Denmark on November 14.
The suspension began on October 1, the day of the Denmark match, allowing the forward to serve a substantial portion of the 30-day punishment before his anticipated return.Portugal managed to progress in the Nations League without their captain, registering victories over Denmark and Norway after the controversy. The results helped the side secure qualification for the quarter-finals.
FPF president Pedro Proenca has also indicated that the federation wants Ronaldo back in the national setup once the matter is resolved.The relatively modest financial penalty is unlikely to be the main consequence for the Al-Nassr forward. Instead, the suspension serves as a disciplinary reminder that even Portugal's most prominent player is subject to the federation's rules, regardless of his standing in the national side.