Star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for 30 days and fined 255 euros (£215) by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) for leaving the national team’s camp last month.
The 41-year-old captain left Portugal’s Nations League squad in September after being an unused substitute against Norway and then learning he would not start against Denmark on October 1.
In a lengthy statement, Ronaldo said coach Jorge Jesus had twice “broken his word”, accusing him of an “absolute breach of trust”.
The suspension runs from the day of the Denmark match, so Ronaldo has already served 19 days and will not miss any Portugal fixtures. Portugal play Denmark again in the Nations League on November 14, then travel to Wales three days later.
The FPF disciplinary committee said it considered the “remorse shown” in Ronaldo’s statement, along with his “contributions to soccer and recognition for athletic merit”. The forward also submitted his CV, listing his awards and achievements, in his defence.
He additionally pointed the committee to his earlier statement, in which he accepted accountability, apologised to team-mates and fans, and said he deserved to be punished.
Jesus has denied making any agreement with Ronaldo but has left the door open for a return. FPF president Pedro Proenca told Portuguese outlet Record there is a “strong desire” to have the player back once the matter is settled.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner holds the men’s world records for Portugal appearances (234) and goals (146), and helped the side win Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles.
Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in December 2022 on a reported annual salary of £177m, and signed a contract extension last year.
