SportsTrending
Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for 30 days and fined €255 by the Portuguese Football Federation after leaving the national team camp. The sanction follows a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus regarding his role in the squad.
The Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary council has suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for 30 days and imposed a fine of €255 (£215) following his departure from the national team camp. The sanction was issued after the 41-year-old forward left the team’s base in Copenhagen prior to a Nations League match against Denmark earlier this month.
The incident stems from a rift between Ronaldo and Portugal’s head coach, Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo accused Jesus of twice breaking his word regarding the player's role in the side after he was used as an unused substitute in a match against Norway. According to The Guardian, Jesus denied making any agreement with Ronaldo but indicated he was open to the player's return following Portugal’s 2-1 victory.
Sky Sports reports that Ronaldo characterized the situation as a "breach of trust." In a lengthy letter detailing the circumstances of his departure, Ronaldo requested to be punished by the federation, stating he wanted to be spared any leniency. He later apologized for failing to acknowledge supporters after the Norway match and for leaving his teammates, affirming his availability for selection once any punishment was served.
The federation’s disciplinary council stated it upheld the charge against Ronaldo in full. The non-professional section found that Ronaldo had intentionally committed an offence under Article 160(1) of the federation’s disciplinary regulations. Proceedings were opened on 9 October regarding facts reported two days earlier.
However, key details regarding the enforcement of the ban remain unclear. The statement did not specify which matches or activities the suspension covers, nor did it clarify whether time already served under a provisional suspension counts toward the 30-day sanction. Sky Sports notes that the statement does not specify when the ban begins. If the ban is retrospective, Ronaldo could be available for Portugal’s next matches against Denmark and Wales, leaving the decision to call him up to Jesus.
While the fine is set at €255 (£215), Sky Sports highlights the disparity between the penalty and Ronaldo’s earnings. The outlet reports that Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, reportedly earns £488,000 per day. Based on these estimated wages, the fine could be paid in just over 38 seconds. Forbes estimates his total football earnings for 2026 will reach £225m.
The suspension creates uncertainty for Portugal’s upcoming Nations League fixtures, particularly regarding whether Ronaldo will be available for selection. The outcome depends on whether the federation applies the ban retrospectively. Meanwhile, Portuguese FA president Pedro Proença has stated that everyone within the federation wants Ronaldo to return to the national team once the matter is resolved, signaling a potential path to reconciliation despite the disciplinary action.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
No comments yet. Start the discussion.
The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to a five-year, $209 million rookie contract extension with forward Brandon Miller, making him the second-highest paid player from the 2023 NBA Draft class.
SportsTrending
Aaron Boone will return as the New York Yankees manager for the 2027 season, entering the final year of his contract. The decision follows a 93-68 regular season and an ALDS sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays.