Ronaldo faces Portugal suspension after Nations League walkout
Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after leaving the national team camp amid his dispute with manager Jorge Jesus.
The 41-year-old’s departure during the international break is understood to have triggered an automatic suspension under FPF rules, with the federation’s disciplinary council expected to determine the final punishment.
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Ronaldo could face a ban of between one and six months. Any suspension exceeding one month would put his availability for Portugal’s Nations League double-header against Denmark and Wales in November at risk.
However, ESPN describes a lengthy ban as “extremely unlikely”, given Ronaldo’s status within the national team. The disciplinary council is also expected to consider mitigating factors, including his public apology to supporters.
Ronaldo explains dispute with Jesus
The disagreement began after Ronaldo was left on the bench throughout Portugal’s match against Norway on September 27.
The forward claimed Jesus had assured him he would receive 30 minutes of playing time, only for the manager to leave him unused despite an extended warm-up.
“He [Jesus] told me to be prepared because I would play 30 minutes. Everyone knows what happened next,” Ronaldo said in his statement.
“I warmed up from half-time, watched the minutes go by, and was not called upon. The coach had broken his word to me.”
Ronaldo also accused Jesus of breaking their agreement a second time when the manager told reporters, “I make the decisions.”
Ronaldo insists international career is not over
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he and Jesus had previously agreed on several points to be communicated publicly, including an acknowledgement that it was a mistake to have a player of Ronaldo’s stature warm up without eventually introducing him.
The dispute has raised questions about Ronaldo’s immediate future with Portugal, but the forward insists he remains committed to international football as he closes in on 1,000 career goals.
“If I am physically fit, playing for my club, scoring goals, I hope, that after serving whatever suspension is imposed on me, I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,” he wrote.