Ronaldo gets 30-day suspension and €255 fine for leaving Portugal camp
In short
Portugal's football federation imposed a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine on Cristiano Ronaldo for leaving the national-team camp without permission. Several outlets reported that the suspension is backdated to October 1 and ends this month, allowing a possible November return.
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Portugal's football federation has imposed a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine on Cristiano Ronaldo for leaving the national-team camp without permission, Korean outlets reported on October 20. The federation's disciplinary committee found that he had deliberately committed one violation of its rules. Yonhap and Seoul Economic Daily reported that Ronaldo acknowledged wrongdoing and accepted the punishment. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
Ronaldo was named among the substitutes but did not play against Norway in the Nations League on September 28. He then left camp after coach Jorge Jesus said he would not start against Denmark. Ronaldo subsequently said on social media that the coach had broken promises twice, describing a loss of trust. He apologised to supporters and said he was not retiring from international football. Chosun Ilbo reported that Jesus denied having made any agreement with him. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
Federation rules provide for a fine and a suspension of between one and six months for failing to fulfil national-team duties or leaving camp without permission, according to Yonhap and other outlets. Several reports said the penalty was backdated to October 1, taking account of a provisional suspension, and would expire at the end of October. Chosun Ilbo, however, said the published statement did not specify which matches or activities were covered or whether time already served would count. [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
The reported timing would leave a possible return for Portugal's November Nations League games against Denmark and Wales. Yonhap reported that Jesus had said Ronaldo could return if he wanted to. Dong-A Ilbo said his return would depend on the coach's decision and squad selection. Portugal secured a quarter-final place while continuing to win after Ronaldo's departure, the reports said. [ 1 , 3 ]
Why it matters
The sanction could leave Ronaldo available for Portugal's November Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales. His return still depends on selection, and the reports differ on how explicitly the federation explained the suspension's timing.
Key facts
- The federation imposed a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- Ronaldo left camp after learning he would not start against Denmark. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 ]
- He accused coach Jorge Jesus of breaking promises and apologised to fans. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Several outlets reported that the suspension runs from October 1 through the end of the month. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The precise explanation of the suspension's timing in the federation's decision. Most reports say it is backdated to October 1; Chosun Ilbo says the statement did not specify whether provisional suspension time counts toward the sanction.
- Whether Ronaldo will be selected for November's matches. Reports say a return is possible, while Dong-A Ilbo says it depends on the coach's decision and squad selection.