…Portugal’s football federation imposes minimum suspension after forward leaves national team camp
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and fined €255 for leaving the national team camp during the UEFA Nations League, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has announced.
The 41-year-old forward left the Portugal camp on September 30 after reportedly becoming frustrated over his lack of playing time under coach Jorge Jesus, reports AFP.
Ronaldo had earlier been made to warm up as a substitute during Portugal’s match against Norway on September 27 but was not brought on. He subsequently learnt that he would not start the encounter against Denmark on October 1.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly accused Jesus of breaking his promise to give him playing time before leaving the camp.
However, Ronaldo apologised to supporters earlier in October, admitting his mistake and expressing his willingness to accept any punishment imposed by the federation.
The suspension represents the minimum penalty under FPF regulations, which provide for bans ranging from one to six months for players who leave the national team without authorisation.
The federation’s disciplinary committee said it considered the remorse Ronaldo expressed in his October 6 statement when determining the punishment.
The suspension took effect from the day of Portugal’s match against Denmark, meaning Ronaldo had already served 19 days of the ban when it was announced. He is expected to complete the suspension by the end of October.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward is Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and record appearance-maker.
Despite his absence, Portugal won all four of their Nations League matches and secured qualification for the quarter-finals with two games to spare.
Portugal are scheduled to host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales on November 17 in their final two Nations League Group A4 fixtures. Ronaldo is expected to have completed his suspension before both matches.
The disciplinary decision brings an end to the immediate uncertainty surrounding the forward’s departure from the national team camp, although the incident has drawn attention to the tensions surrounding his role in the squad.
