Cristiano Ronaldo Handed 30-Day Suspension and Fine by Portuguese FA Over Squad Walkout

The Portuguese Football Federation has formally suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for 30 days and issued a €255 fine after the forward walked out on the national team. The disciplinary council upheld the charges in full on Monday, citing an intentional breach of regulations following his abrupt departure from the squad's Copenhagen base earlier this month.[1][2]

The 41-year-old captain left the camp on September 30, the day before Portugal's UEFA Nations League match against Denmark. The exit followed a public rift with head coach Jorge Jesus, whom Ronaldo accused of breaking promises regarding his playing time after he remained an unused substitute in a 2-1 victory over Norway.[1][4]

According to the official ruling from the FPF's non-professional disciplinary council, Ronaldo was found guilty of violating Article 160(1) of the federation's code. The panel concluded that the forward committed the disciplinary offense intentionally when he departed the team hotel.[1][2]

"The Disciplinary Council... hereby decides, in these proceedings, to uphold the charges in their entirety," the federation's official statement read. "As a result, he is handed a 30-day suspension and an additional fine of 2.5 units, amounting to €255."[1]

The suspension has been backdated to the day Ronaldo left the camp, meaning he has already served 19 days of the sanction. Because the penalty falls at the minimum end of the federation's one-to-six-month guideline for such offenses, he will complete the ban by the end of October.[4]

The conflict originated during the September 27 match against Norway, where Ronaldo was instructed to warm up but never entered the pitch. The forward stated that Jesus had previously assured him he would play in the second half, and tensions escalated when the coach informed him he would not start against Denmark.[1][4]

Jesus has publicly denied making any specific agreements regarding playing time, though he maintained that the door remains open for the captain's return. The Portuguese FA president, Pedro Proença, echoed that sentiment, stating that everyone within the federation wants Ronaldo back in the squad.[2][3]

The disciplinary committee noted that the leniency of the 30-day ban was influenced by Ronaldo's public apology. In an October 6 statement, the forward expressed remorse for failing to acknowledge traveling supporters after the Norway match and for abandoning his teammates.[2][4]

Despite the absence of their all-time top goalscorer and record appearance-maker, Portugal's on-field performance has not faltered. The team secured victories against Denmark and in their rematch with Norway, maintaining a perfect record through four matches to qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals.[1][4]

With the disciplinary proceedings now closed, attention turns to Portugal's final two Group A4 fixtures. The national team will host Denmark on November 14 before traveling to face Wales on November 17, matches for which Ronaldo will be fully cleared to participate.[1][4]