PORTUGUESE FA SUSPENDS CRISTIANO RONALDO FOR 30 DAYS

The Portuguese FA has suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for 30 days after he left Portugal’s national team camp in Copenhagen before a Nations League match against Denmark. The federation’s disciplinary council upheld a charge against him in full and fined him €255. Its non-professional section found that Ronaldo intentionally breached Article 160(1) of the federation’s disciplinary regulations. The council opened proceedings on 9 October over matters reported two days earlier. It did not specify which matches or activities the suspension covers.

Ronaldo left the camp after he remained an unused substitute against Norway and disputed his role with coach Jorge Jesus. He accused Jesus of breaking his word twice, including over a promise to explain publicly why Ronaldo had not played against Norway. Ronaldo said they had agreed he would miss the Norway and Denmark games to manage his fitness, but Jesus then asked him to play 30 minutes against Norway. Ronaldo said a later meeting with Jesus, attended by Al Nassr sporting director Simao Coutinho, produced an agreement about what Jesus would say at a press conference. Jesus denied making an agreement with Ronaldo.

Jesus left open the possibility of Ronaldo returning after Portugal’s 2-1 win. Ronaldo later apologised for failing to acknowledge supporters after the Norway match and for leaving his teammates. He said he remained available for selection after serving any punishment arising from his departure. Portuguese FA president Pedro Proença said everyone within the federation wanted Ronaldo to return once the matter was resolved. The disciplinary council did not say whether time served under a provisional suspension would count towards the 30 days.