Ronaldo has been temporarily suspended from the Portugal national team pending a disciplinary investigation
Cristiano Ronaldo has been temporarily suspended from the Portugal national team after leaving the national team's camp without permission, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) reported.
Ronaldo has been temporarily suspended from the Portugal national team pending a disciplinary investigation
It is reported that an expedited disciplinary case has been opened against the 41-year-old footballer. On October 10, the materials were submitted to the FPF's disciplinary investigation commission.
According to reports by A Bola and CNN Portugal, under FPF rules, a player who leaves the national team without authorization could face a suspension of up to six months and a fine ranging from 500 to 1,000 euros.
According to available information, Ronaldo left the team camp on September 30 — one day before the Nations League match against Denmark in Copenhagen. It is presumed that a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus was the cause.
In the match against Norway on September 27, Ronaldo remained on the bench. With about 30 minutes remaining in the match, the coach sent him to warm up, but did not bring him onto the pitch.
After the game, Jesus stated at a press conference that Ronaldo did not participate in the match against Norway and would not play against Denmark either. Shortly thereafter, the footballer left the national team camp.
On October 6, Ronaldo apologized to the national team and the fans, expressed his willingness to accept any potential punishment, and emphasized that he has no intention of retiring from the national team.
Jorge Jesus, for his part, stated that he is ready to welcome the player back to the national team if he wishes to return, but added that he has no intention of apologizing for what happened.