Ronaldo suspended 30 days, fined €255 by Portugal FA over squad walkout

Cristiano Ronaldo was suspended for 30 days and fined €255 by the Portuguese Football Federation after leaving the national team camp without authorization during the UEFA Nations League in late September. The suspension followed a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus over his playing time, with Ronaldo claiming the coach broke a private agreement to give him minutes in the Norway match.

Quick Facts

Ronaldo left Portugal national team training camp
Suspension imposed for 30 days
Fine of €255 imposed
Disciplinary council upheld charges under Article 160(1)
Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking agreement about playing time

Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for 30 days and fined €255 by the Portuguese Football Federation following his unauthorized departure from the national team camp in late September. The disciplinary council upheld charges against the 41-year-old under Article 160(1) of the federation's regulations, finding he had intentionally committed an offence. The suspension began on 1 October and is set to expire before Portugal's next competitive fixture in November.

The incident arose during the UEFA Nations League campaign when Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout Portugal's 2–1 victory over Norway on 27 September. According to Ronaldo's subsequent account, coach Jorge Jesus had privately agreed to give him approximately 30 minutes of playing time, but the coach did not bring him onto the pitch. After warming up from half-time, Ronaldo left the training camp in Copenhagen ahead of Portugal's match against Denmark on 30 September. Jesus later denied making any such agreement with the player.

Ronaldo released a lengthy statement on 6 October, accusing Jesus of breaking his word twice and of failing to honour private understandings about how the situation would be explained publicly. He apologized to teammates and supporters for leaving the squad and acknowledged that his actions could have consequences. The Portuguese FA opened disciplinary proceedings on 9 October, initially placing Ronaldo under provisional suspension. The forward stated he remained willing to represent Portugal after serving any punishment.

The walkout drew criticism from former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney, who said Ronaldo's departure and public statement were "wrong in every sense." Portuguese FA president Pedro Proença has indicated that the federation wants Ronaldo to return once the matter is resolved. Portugal won both remaining Nations League matches during this window without Ronaldo and has already qualified for the Nations League quarter-finals with 12 points from four matches. The next international fixtures are scheduled for November.

Topics

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#suspension #UEFA Nations League #Squad walkout #Cristiano Ronaldo #Portugal #Jorge Jesus #football #disciplinary action

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Why This Matters

Portugal's Football Federation enforced disciplinary action against one of football's most prominent players, establishing precedent for roster management and compliance with federation authority. The 30-day suspension removes Ronaldo from international play during the UEFA Nations League window but expires before Portugal's next competitive match in November. The case involves measurable employment and contractual dispute outcomes: a fine amount, a defined suspension period, and documented regulatory enforcement under federation statutes. Portugal qualified for Nations League quarter-finals without Ronaldo and will assess squad composition for upcoming November fixtures.

Timeline & Sources

Sep 27, 2026

Wire

Portugal defeats Norway 2–1 in UEFA Nations League; Ronaldo remains unused substitute despite reportedly warming up

Sep 30, 2026

Wire

Ronaldo leaves Portugal training camp in Copenhagen before scheduled match against Denmark

Oct 19, 2026

Wire

Disciplinary council issues final decision: 30-day suspension and €255 fine upheld

Nov 14, 2026

Wire

Portugal's next international match scheduled (suspension expires before this date)