Cristiano Ronaldo has received a 30-day suspension from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) for leaving the national team camp in September. The federation’s disciplinary council announced the decision on Monday, saying it had upheld the charge against the 41-year-old in full. It also fined him 255 euros (£189).
Ronaldo walked out of Portugal’s Nations League squad after being an unused substitute against Norway and then learning he would not start against Denmark. He explained his decision in a lengthy statement. In it he said coach Jorge Jesus had twice “broke his word” and accused him of an “absolute breach of trust”.
The Al-Nassr forward was provisionally suspended on 9 October. It is not clear which matches or activities the new suspension covers, or whether time served under the provisional ban counts towards the 30 days.
Apology and a door left open
Jesus denied making any agreement with Ronaldo, but he left the door open for a return after his side’s 2-1 victory. Ronaldo has since accepted accountability. He apologised to his team-mates and fans and said he deserved to be punished.
FPF president Pedro Proenc told Portuguese outlet Record that there is a “strong desire” to have Ronaldo back with the national team once the matter is resolved.
The captain’s record gives that desire some weight. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has scored 146 goals in 234 Portugal appearances, and both figures are men’s world records. He helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice.
Source: BBC Sport
