The Portuguese Football Federation has suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for 30 days and fined him €255 (about $285) after he walked out of the national team camp in Copenhagen following a rift with coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the side.
The federation's disciplinary council said on Monday that it had upheld the charge against the 41-year-old forward in full, finding that he had intentionally committed an offence under Article 160(1) of its disciplinary regulations.
What led to the punishment
Ronaldo left Portugal's base before their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark earlier this month, having accused Jesus of twice breaking his word about his role after he was left as an unused substitute against Norway. Jesus denied making any such agreement but left the door open for Ronaldo's return.
Proceedings were opened on October 9 over facts reported two days earlier. The disciplinary council's non-professional section ruled that the offence was committed intentionally and on one occasion.
The federation's statement did not specify which matches or activities the suspension would cover, or whether time Ronaldo has already served under a provisional suspension — in place since he left the camp on September 30 — would count toward the 30-day sanction. Reporting by USA Today noted the ban would leave Ronaldo eligible for Portugal's next two fixtures, the November 14 Nations League match with Denmark and the November 17 game against Wales, depending on how the timing is applied.
Apology and a way back
Ronaldo later apologised for failing to acknowledge supporters after the Norway match and for leaving his team-mates, saying he remained available for selection once any punishment arising from the incident was served. Federation president Pedro Proenca has said everyone within the federation wants the forward back in the national team once the matter is resolved.
The relatively light sanction closes one of the most public rifts in Portuguese football in years — between the country's greatest-ever player and the coach tasked with leading them forward.
Sources:
Al Jazeera: Ronaldo banned for 30 days, fined $285 by Portugal over spat with Jesus
Reuters: Ronaldo handed 30-day ban for leaving Portugal camp following coach Jesus rift
The federation's disciplinary council said on Monday that it had upheld the charge against the 41-year-old forward in full, finding that he had intentionally committed an offence under Article 160(1) of its disciplinary regulations.
What led to the punishment
Ronaldo left Portugal's base before their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark earlier this month, having accused Jesus of twice breaking his word about his role after he was left as an unused substitute against Norway. Jesus denied making any such agreement but left the door open for Ronaldo's return.
Proceedings were opened on October 9 over facts reported two days earlier. The disciplinary council's non-professional section ruled that the offence was committed intentionally and on one occasion.
The federation's statement did not specify which matches or activities the suspension would cover, or whether time Ronaldo has already served under a provisional suspension — in place since he left the camp on September 30 — would count toward the 30-day sanction. Reporting by USA Today noted the ban would leave Ronaldo eligible for Portugal's next two fixtures, the November 14 Nations League match with Denmark and the November 17 game against Wales, depending on how the timing is applied.
Apology and a way back
Ronaldo later apologised for failing to acknowledge supporters after the Norway match and for leaving his team-mates, saying he remained available for selection once any punishment arising from the incident was served. Federation president Pedro Proenca has said everyone within the federation wants the forward back in the national team once the matter is resolved.
The relatively light sanction closes one of the most public rifts in Portuguese football in years — between the country's greatest-ever player and the coach tasked with leading them forward.
Sources:
Al Jazeera: Ronaldo banned for 30 days, fined $285 by Portugal over spat with Jesus
Reuters: Ronaldo handed 30-day ban for leaving Portugal camp following coach Jesus rift
