Cristiano Ronaldo suspended for 30 days after Portugal camp walkout

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine after leaving Portugal’s national team camp during the UEFA Nations League, with the country’s football federation saying the football superstar received the minimum penalty under its disciplinary rules.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced the punishment on Monday, following the 41-year-old forward’s departure from the squad on September 30 amid frustration over his playing time.

Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and record appearance-maker, had publicly apologised earlier this month and said he was prepared to accept whatever punishment the federation imposed.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star reportedly became frustrated after warming up as a substitute against Norway on September 27 without being brought onto the pitch. His disappointment deepened when he learned he would not start against Denmark on October 1.

Ronaldo subsequently left the national team camp and accused coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word regarding the playing time he had been promised.

In a statement issued on October 6, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner acknowledged his mistake, expressed remorse and accepted responsibility for his actions.

The FPF disciplinary committee took that apology into account when deciding the punishment. Under federation regulations, players who leave the national team without authorisation can face suspensions ranging from one to six months.

Ronaldo received the minimum suspension available under those rules, alongside the financial penalty of €255, equivalent to approximately $286.

The suspension took effect from the date of Portugal’s match against Denmark, meaning Ronaldo had already served 19 days of the ban by the time the decision was announced. He is expected to complete the remaining period by the end of October.

The disciplinary action is unlikely to affect Portugal’s final two Nations League group matches. The team will host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales on November 17, when Ronaldo will have completed his suspension.

Portugal have also demonstrated their strength without their captain, winning all four of their Nations League matches during his absence and securing qualification for the quarter-finals with two games remaining.

The team’s results have added another dimension to the debate surrounding Ronaldo’s role as he enters the later stages of his international career.

Despite the controversy, Ronaldo remains one of Portugal’s most influential players, holding national records for both goals and appearances.

With the suspension nearing its end, attention will now turn to whether the veteran forward returns to the squad without further friction and how Portugal manage his role ahead of their next major international challenges.