Ronaldo banned for 30 days, fined US$285 over Portugal dispute

Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for 30 days and fined 255 euros (US$285.83) by the Portuguese Football Association following a dispute with national team coach Jorge Jesus. According to Al Jazeera, the federation’s disciplinary council announced on Monday that it had upheld the charge against the 41-year-old forward for leaving Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen ahead of their Nations League match against Denmark earlier this month. Ronaldo reportedly left after accusing Jesus of twice breaking his word regarding his role in the team, following his omission from the starting line-up against Norway, where he was an unused substitute. Jesus denied making any agreement with the veteran striker but left the door open for his return after Portugal’s 2-1 victory. The disciplinary council found that Ronaldo had intentionally committed an offence under Article 160(1) of the federation’s disciplinary regulations. Proceedings were initiated on October 9 over an incident reported two days earlier. However, the federation did not clarify which matches or activities would be affected by the suspension, or whether time served under a provisional ban would count towards the 30-day punishment. Ronaldo later apologised for failing to acknowledge supporters after the Norway match and for leaving his teammates, adding that he remained available for selection after serving any sanction imposed. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença has also indicated that the organisation wants Ronaldo to return to the national team once the matter is resolved.