Key Takeaways
- Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation.
- The suspension follows his decision to walk out on the national team during recent matches.
- Ronaldo has apologised and accepted potential punishment.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) following his controversial walkout during recent matches with the national team.
The FPF announced on Saturday that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against the 41-year-old, classifying the case as urgent and confirming Ronaldo is currently suspended pending a decision on the final punishment.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s squad after being made to warm up as a substitute against Norway on September 27 and not being brought on for the match against Denmark on October 1.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker, who is Portugal’s all-time top goalscorer and record appearance-maker, has apologised to supporters and criticised Portugal coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking his word about giving him game time in Nations League matches but stated he was not retiring from international duty and would be available to play once any potential punishment was served.
In a statement, the FPF said, 'Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo,' adding that the case is urgent and confirming his current suspension.
Ronaldo returned to club action on Friday with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, scoring as they won 3-0 against Diriyah in a Saudi Pro League match.
The Portuguese national team won all four of their Nations League matches and qualified for the quarter-finals with two games to spare.
Ronaldo had previously apologised to supporters, saying, 'I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,' while accepting his actions must be 'punished' by the federation.
Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo
Portuguese Football Federation, Statement
I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team
Cristiano Ronaldo, Statement
