FILE: Ronaldo | Bleachers
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been fined €255 and handed a 30-day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) for leaving the national team’s camp amid a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.
The federation’s Disciplinary Council announced the sanctions on Monday, October 19, following an investigation into the 41-year-old forward’s departure from the squad in Copenhagen, Denmark, on September 30.
In its ruling, the Disciplinary Council said it had upheld the charge against Ronaldo and found him guilty of an intentional disciplinary offence under Article 160(1) of its disciplinary regulations.
The ruling stated that Ronaldo was being handed “a 30-day suspension” and a “fine of €255,” according to BEIN, Talk Sports and others on Monday.
Ronaldo left the camp ahead of Portugal’s Nations League fixture against Denmark following a disagreement with Jesus over his role in the team.
The dispute followed Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on September 27, in which Ronaldo remained an unused substitute after warming up during the match.
According to the Guardian, Ronaldo had said Jesus broke his word regarding his playing time.
The forward 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 decision does not specify which matches or activities would be affected by the 30-day suspension or whether the period covered by his provisional suspension would count towards the final sanction.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark on November 14, with Ronaldo’s availability for selection dependent on the application of the suspension and the national team’s decisions.
Meanwhile, FPF president Pedro Proença has publicly backed the captain, describing him as one of the most important figures in Portuguese football.
“We are in the home of the greatest asset Portuguese football has ever produced: Cristiano Ronaldo, our captain,” Proença said, as quoted by ESPN.
“Our captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, is one of our key pieces,” he added.
Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.