Cristiano Ronaldo Gets 30-Day Ban for Leaving Portugal Camp

FPF Suspends Cristiano Ronaldo for Leaving National Team Camp

Cristiano Ronaldo received a 30-day suspension from the Portuguese football federation (FPF) following his abrupt departure from the national team camp. The 41-year-old forward left the squad on September 30 during the UEFA Nations League after a dispute over playing time with coach Jorge Jesus. In addition to the ban, Ronaldo must pay a fine of 255 euros, which amounts to roughly 1,168 Malaysian ringgit. The penalty represents the minimum punishment outlined in federation regulations, which mandate suspensions lasting between one and six months for players who leave national team camps.

The disciplinary committee factored in a statement issued by the player on October 6, noting that the committee considered the remorse shown when Ronaldo admitted his mistake and agreed to accept any levied sanction. The suspension took effect on the day of Portugal’s match against Denmark on October 1. Because the ban is retroactive to that date, Ronaldo has already served 19 days of the suspension and will complete the remaining time by the end of October.

Dispute Over Playing Time and Jorge Jesus

The friction began when Ronaldo warmed up as a substitute against Norway on September 27 without being subbed onto the pitch. He later discovered he would not start against Denmark on October 1, prompting his departure from the squad. Shortly after walking out, Ronaldo posted a statement on social media accusing coach Jorge Jesus of breaking promises regarding playing time during the UEFA Nations League fixtures. Despite the dispute, Ronaldo maintained that he was not retiring from international competition, stating that he remained available to compete and win for the national team.

According to Ronaldo, Jesus agreed to specific talking points during a prior conversation, including an acknowledgment that the coach made a mistake by asking a player of Pelé or Maradona’s stature to warm up without sending him into the match. Jesus later stated in press remarks that he would continue to select Ronaldo for international duty if the forward played for his club side, Al Nassr, and desired a call-up. Following the FPF announcement, Ronaldo did not issue a direct public comment on the sanction, instead sharing a photograph on Instagram of himself training with Al Nassr alongside the caption, “Putting in the work.”

Nations League Campaign Without Ronaldo

Portugal won all four of their Nations League matches during Ronaldo’s absence to qualify for the quarter-finals with two games to spare. The team hosts Denmark on November 14 before traveling to play Wales on November 17 to close out their Group A4 fixtures. Ronaldo will have fully served his 30-day suspension before either fixture takes place, making him eligible for selection under FPF rules once the ban concludes at the end of October.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ronaldo FPF Suspension

What specific rules did the FPF apply to Ronaldo?

The FPF disciplinary committee applied federation regulations that mandate suspensions between one and six months for any player who leaves the national team camp. Ronaldo received the minimum 30-day penalty permitted under these rules.

How much is Ronaldo’s fine in local currency?

The Portuguese football federation fined Ronaldo 255 euros, which equals approximately 1,168 Malaysian ringgit.

When does Ronaldo become eligible to play for Portugal again?

Ronaldo completes his 30-day suspension by the end of October, as the ban is backdated to take effect from the October 1 match against Denmark. He will be available for selection when Portugal faces Denmark on November 14.