Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly been suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) following his decision to leave the national team’s training camp amid a reported disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.
According to reports by the UK’s Mirror, the suspension was triggered automatically under the federation’s disciplinary regulations after the 41-year-old forward departed the camp without completing his international assignment.
Ronaldo could face a suspension ranging from one to six months, depending on the outcome of a disciplinary review. A disciplinary council is expected to determine the length of the punishment and consider the circumstances surrounding his departure.
The incident has intensified uncertainty surrounding the veteran forward’s immediate future with the Portuguese national team, particularly as tensions between him and Jesus have attracted widespread attention.
Ronaldo’s departure followed a reported breakdown in relations with Jesus, who recently took charge of the Portuguese national team.
The disagreement came after Ronaldo was left unused during Portugal’s Nations League victory over Norway, despite the forward reportedly expecting to feature in the match.
In a subsequent explanation of events, Ronaldo claimed that Jesus had agreed to a plan concerning his involvement in the games against Norway and Denmark, including an understanding that the coach would clarify his role publicly.
However, Ronaldo said the coach’s comments during a press conference did not reflect their private discussions. He described the situation as another instance of Jesus failing to honour an agreement and said he decided to leave the training camp rather than wait for further developments.
Jesus, for his part, had previously played down suggestions of a serious dispute, maintaining that decisions over team selection and playing time rested with him.
Federation Rules Could Prove Costly
Under Article 160 of the Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary regulations, a player who leaves a national team camp without justification or fails to attend an official team activity may face a suspension of between one and six months.
The regulations also provide for an automatic preventive suspension following such an incident, pending the appropriate disciplinary process.
Consequently, Ronaldo’s punishment could extend beyond a temporary absence from the squad, although the final duration will depend on the disciplinary authorities’ assessment of the case.
The potential sanction has placed the Portugal captain in a difficult position as he seeks to resolve the dispute and preserve his international career.
Ronaldo Apologises and Leaves the Door Open
Following the controversy, Ronaldo acknowledged that his decision to leave the camp had consequences and apologised for aspects of his conduct, including his failure to greet supporters after the match against Norway.
The forward also accepted that his responsibilities as captain made the situation particularly serious. He indicated that he would respect whatever punishment the federation imposed while making it clear that he remained available to represent Portugal after serving any suspension.
Despite the disagreement, Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from international football.
For Portugal, the immediate priority will be resolving the disciplinary matter and ensuring that the controversy does not disrupt preparations for upcoming international fixtures.
The final decision on Ronaldo’s suspension will determine how long the country’s record goalscorer must wait before returning to national team duty.
