Ronaldo handed 30-day ban and fine after leaving Portugal camp
Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for 30 days and fined €255 (£215) by the Portuguese Football Federation after walking out on the national team.
The federation's disciplinary council upheld the charge in full, The Guardian reported on 19 October. It ruled that the 41-year-old forward had intentionally committed an offence under Article 160(1) of its disciplinary regulations.
Proceedings were opened on 9 October. They related to events reported two days earlier, during the October international break.
The case centres on Ronaldo's role under Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo was an unused substitute against Norway. He did not play a minute. He then left Portugal's base in Copenhagen before a Nations League match against Denmark, UEFA's tournament for national teams played between major finals.
Ronaldo accused Jesus of twice breaking his word about how he would be used. Jesus denied making any agreement with the player. The disagreement quickly became public, and Ronaldo's departure left Portugal to prepare without its captain and record scorer.
Ronaldo later apologised for two things. He said sorry for failing to acknowledge the supporters after the Norway game and for leaving his teammates in Copenhagen. He added that he remained available for selection once any punishment had been served.
There is still a way back. Jesus left the door open for a return after Portugal's 2-1 win. Federation president Pedro Proença said everyone inside the organisation wanted Ronaldo back once the matter was resolved.
What happens next is not fully clear. The federation's statement did not specify which matches or activities the 30-day ban covers. It also did not say whether time already served under a provisional suspension would count towards the punishment.
That provisional suspension was imposed on 10 October after the walkout. For fans, this means an uneasy pause rather than a full stop. Ronaldo, still playing international football at 41, has accepted fault and asked to return. Portugal must now decide when, and how, to welcome him back.
