Ronaldo given 30-day Portugal suspension and £215 fine over camp departure

Cristiano Ronaldo has been given a 30-day suspension and fined €255 (£215) by the Portuguese Football Federation after leaving the national team’s camp during a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus.

The punishment, announced on Monday, 19 October, has been backdated and will expire before Portugal’s next internationals. It therefore will not force the 41-year-old captain to miss the November Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales.

The decision settles the disciplinary proceedings over his departure but does not itself guarantee a return to the squad. Jesus has left the door open to recalling the Al-Nassr forward.

Dispute followed unused substitute appearance

Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp in September after remaining an unused substitute against Norway and learning that he would not start against Denmark on 1 October.

In a lengthy statement issued earlier this month, he accused Jesus of twice breaking his word and described an “absolute breach of trust”. Ronaldo alleged that the coach had promised him playing time against Norway, then failed to honour a separate agreement about how the situation would be explained publicly.

Jesus denied making an agreement with Ronaldo. The competing accounts of their discussions remain disputed.

Ronaldo nevertheless accepted responsibility for leaving the camp, apologised to his team-mates and supporters, and said he deserved punishment. He also said he would not retire from international football.

Panel considered remorse and career achievements

The federation’s disciplinary council found the charges against Ronaldo “fully substantiated”, according to the ruling quoted by The Athletic. It imposed the suspension and fine for an intentional disciplinary offence under Article 160(1) of the federation’s regulations.

The BBC reported that the panel took account of “the remorse shown” in Ronaldo’s statement, alongside his contribution to football and recognition for sporting merit.

As part of his defence, Ronaldo submitted a sporting CV listing awards and achievements from his career. He also referred the committee to his earlier statement accepting accountability for his actions.

November return remains possible

Portugal next play Denmark on 14 November before travelling to Wales three days later. With the suspension due to finish beforehand, Ronaldo’s involvement will depend on selection rather than the disciplinary ban.

Federation president Pedro Proenca told Portuguese newspaper Record there was a “strong desire” to have Ronaldo back with the national team once the matter was resolved.

Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, both men’s international records. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner helped the country win Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles. His next opportunity to add to that record now rests with Jesus.