Full Breakdown
Ronaldo Suspended for 30 Days and Fined €255 After Leaving Portugal Camp
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has imposed a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine on Cristiano Ronaldo for walking out of the national-team camp in Copenhagen on September 30. The disciplinary council upheld the charge that Ronaldo committed an offence under Article 160(1) of the federation’s regulations. The sanction does not automatically exclude him from Portugal’s upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, but the council did not specify which fixtures the ban will cover.
Background & Context
Ronaldo, 41, was an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on September 24. He later accused head coach Jorge Jesus of breaking a promise to give him about 30 minutes of playing time, a claim Jesus denied. After warming up at halftime and not being brought on, Ronaldo left the camp the night before Portugal’s scheduled match against Denmark.
Timeline
- September 24 – Ronaldo on the bench against Norway.
- September 30 – Ronaldo departs the Copenhagen camp.
- October 1 – FPF records the start of his provisional suspension.
- October 6 – Ronaldo posts an Instagram statement about a breach of trust.
- October 9 – Disciplinary council opens formal proceedings.
- November 14 – Portugal vs Denmark (suspension may be back-dated).
- November 17 – Portugal vs Wales.
Data & Statistics
- Suspension: 30 days.
- Fine: €255 (? £215).
- International record: 146 goals in 234 caps, the all-time men’s scoring and appearance leader.
Official Statements & Responses
Jorge Jesus said no agreement had been made about Ronaldo’s playing time but left the door open for his return after the Norway win. Ronaldo’s statement expressed remorse for leaving the camp and affirmed his willingness to accept any punishment imposed by the FPF.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are in the home of the greatest asset Portuguese football has ever produced: Cristiano Ronaldo, our captain.” — Pedro Proença, federation president
- “Despite the absolute breach of trust in the head coach’s word, as those who witnessed these conversations can attest, I should not have done it,” — Cristiano Ronaldo
- “I also owe an apology to my national team teammates for having left the camp.” — Cristiano Ronaldo
Why It Matters
The disciplinary action highlights tension between the veteran captain and the newly appointed coach, raising questions about squad harmony ahead of the Nations League window. Ronaldo’s status as captain is an “aggravating factor” in the federation’s assessment, and his potential absence could affect Portugal’s tactical options against Denmark and Wales.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether the 30-day ban is back-dated to September 30 or starts from the provisional suspension on October 1, creating uncertainty about Ronaldo’s eligibility for the November matches. The council also did not clarify whether time already served under the provisional suspension counts toward the 30-day period.
What’s Next
Portugal’s next fixtures are the Nations League games against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17. Selection will depend on coach Jorge Jesus’s assessment of Ronaldo’s form and the resolution of any remaining disciplinary considerations. The FPF has indicated a desire to have Ronaldo back, but the final decision rests with the coaching staff.