The Portugal Football Federation has imposed a temporary match ban on football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
The move follows the launch of a disciplinary investigation after Ronaldo left the national team’s training camp following a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.
The 41-year-old Ronaldo had been named as a substitute for the UEFA Nations League match against Norway but was not given an opportunity to take to the field.
Following a disagreement with the coach over the matter, he left the Portugal team’s camp.
The Portugal Football Federation initiated disciplinary proceedings against Ronaldo following a decision taken on 9 October and also decided to expedite the investigation.
Under the federation’s disciplinary regulations, a player who withdraws from national team training sessions, matches or other activities without a valid reason may be banned from playing for a period ranging from one to six months.
However, a final decision on the punishment to be imposed on Ronaldo has yet to be made.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has said that he wishes to apologise to his national team-mates and football fans.
Acknowledging that his actions should have disciplinary consequences, he has also stated that he is ready to play for Portugal once his suspension has been served.
However, following the incident involving the national team, Ronaldo returned to action for his Saudi Arabian club, Al-Nassr, and scored a goal in their match against Diriyah.
Al-Nassr won the match 3-0.
With that goal, Ronaldo’s total number of goals for club and national teams throughout his professional football career rose to 980.
Portugal’s next UEFA Nations League matches are scheduled to take place in November, and whether Ronaldo will be able to play in them will depend on the outcome of the disciplinary investigation.