Key Takeaways
- Cristiano Ronaldo has been given a 30-day suspension by the Portuguese football federation.
- The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star left the Portugal camp on September 30.
- Ronaldo will also have to pay a 255 euro fine for his actions.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension for leaving the Portuguese national team camp during the UEFA Nations League, the country’s football federation (FPF) announced on Monday.
The 41-year-old star abruptly left the Portugal camp on September 30, after being made to warm up as a substitute against Norway on September 27 and not being brought on for the match against Denmark.
Ronaldo had accused coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word about giving him game time, but the FPF disciplinary committee took into account his apology and willingness to accept punishment.
The former five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is Portugal’s all-time top goalscorer and record appearance-maker in men’s international football, has already served 19 days of his ban and will complete it by the end of October.
Ronaldo’s suspension will not affect Portugal’s upcoming matches, as the team won all four of their Nations League matches in his absence and qualified for the quarter-finals with two games to spare.
The FPF’s disciplinary committee stated that Ronaldo’s remorse was a factor in the decision to impose the minimum penalty, which is between one and six months for leaving the national team.
In a social media post shortly after his walk-out, Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking his word about bringing him on in the match against Norway and not following through on their pre-approved conversation.
Ronaldo insisted he was not retiring from international duty and posted a picture of himself preparing to train with his Saudi club, accompanied by the caption, “Putting in the work.”
The Portuguese star will be available for Portugal’s upcoming matches against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17, by which time he will have served his suspension.
