Cristiano Ronaldo faces disciplinary sanctions over his departure from Portugal’s national team camp.
Portugal’s football federation has sanctioned Cristiano Ronaldo after a playing-time dispute prompted him to leave the national team camp.
The Ronaldo camp walkout has drawn a Sh38,000 fine and a 30-day suspension from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). The disciplinary case followed a dispute over the Portugal captain’s playing time.
The federation announced its decision on Monday, October 19. Its disciplinary council found that Ronaldo intentionally breached rules governing participation in national team activities.
Meanwhile, the size of the fine prompted amusement online, given the forward’s status among football’s highest earners. Some social media users joked about paying double the amount for a photograph with him.
Ronaldo camp walkout followed selection dispute
Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen, Denmark, on September 30, ahead of a Nations League match against Denmark. His departure followed frustration over his role in the squad.
Earlier, Portugal had beaten Norway 2-1 on September 27, with Ronaldo remaining on the bench. He warmed up during that match, but head coach Jorge Jesus did not bring him on.
The forward maintained that Jesus had assured him he would play against Norway. However, the coach denied reaching an agreement with the captain over his playing time.
Tensions then increased when Ronaldo learnt he would not start against Denmark. He subsequently left the camp, triggering the disciplinary proceedings.
Federation considers mitigating circumstances
The FPF disciplinary council upheld a charge under Article 160(1) of its regulations. That provision covers abandoning national team activities.
In deciding the punishment, the council considered Ronaldo’s disciplinary record and his cooperation with the proceedings. It concluded that the suspension and financial penalty represented an appropriate and sufficient sanction.
The federation had already imposed a provisional suspension before issuing its final ruling. However, the decision did not immediately clarify how time already served would count towards the 30-day penalty.
That leaves uncertainty over the remaining suspension period. His eventual return will also depend on his availability and the coach’s selection decisions.
Ronaldo apologises as Portugal leaves return open
Ronaldo had accepted responsibility for leaving the camp in an Instagram statement earlier in October. He apologised to his teammates and supporters, acknowledging that walking away was the wrong response.
However, he maintained that the coach had failed to honour his word. The captain also said he would accept the consequences, recognising that his leadership role demanded accountability.
Despite the dispute, Jesus later indicated that Ronaldo could return to the squad. Portugal’s football leadership has also expressed a desire to welcome him back once the disciplinary matter concludes.
Meanwhile, Portugal won its subsequent matches against Denmark and Norway without him. Those results preserved the team’s perfect record in its Nations League group.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s leading international scorer, with 146 goals across 234 appearances. His achievements with the national side include the Euro 2016 title and two UEFA Nations League crowns.
The forward has reiterated his wish to keep representing Portugal. The sanction therefore does not necessarily mark the end of his international career.
