LISBON (Realist English). The Portuguese Football Federation has suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for 30 days and fined him €255 for leaving the national team camp without authorization in late September. The disciplinary council found the 41-year-old forward guilty of intentionally violating Article 160(1) of the federation’s regulations.
What happened
The incident occurred on September 30 in Copenhagen, the day before the Nations League match against Denmark. Ronaldo left the national team after being asked to warm up in the match against Norway (2:1) but was never brought on. This was the first time in 18 years that Ronaldo did not take the field in a match for the Portugal national team.
According to the disciplinary regulations, Ronaldo was required to notify team management. He contacted FPF President Pedro Proença by phone after leaving Parken Stadium, explaining his decision by saying he was “no longer in the right psychological state.”
Conflict with Jesus
Ronaldo accused head coach Jorge Jesus of twice breaking a promise regarding his playing time: first by not putting him on the field in Oslo, and then by not following a pre-agreed scenario at the press conference before the Denmark match. Jesus denied any agreements existed but left the door open for the forward’s return.
Leniency of the punishment
The federation imposed the minimum possible penalty: the regulations provide for a suspension of one to six months. The disciplinary council took into account his admission of guilt, the absence of disciplinary sanctions in recent seasons, and Ronaldo’s contribution to Portuguese football.
The suspension is counted from October 1, and 19 days have already been credited as served during the period of temporary suspension. Thus, the punishment will end by late October — before the next international break in November, when Portugal faces Denmark (November 14) and Wales (November 17).
Without Ronaldo — only victories
In the captain’s absence, Portugal won all four Nations League matches and qualified early for the quarterfinals. Ronaldo’s replacement, Gonçalo Ramos, scored three goals.
The punishment is largely symbolic: €255 is a negligible sum given Ronaldo’s salary at Saudi club Al-Nassr (reportedly around €4 million per week), and the suspension does not affect a single national team match.
The real question is not the fine, but whether the 41-year-old forward will return to the team and whether Jesus will want to see him. Ronaldo has publicly stated that he is not ending his international career and is ready to play, but his relationship with the coach is destroyed. For Portugal, which looks convincing without its captain, this creates a delicate situation: the return of a legend could disrupt the balance, while refusing him could cause public outcry.
