Ronaldo Provisionally Suspended by Portuguese FA After Camp Walkout
Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation after leaving the national squad last month, with a disciplinary process underway.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after walking out of Portugal's international camp last month. The FPF said the suspension was issued on 9 October and the case has been marked as urgent. Under FPF rules, a player who fails to appear or leaves international duty faces a ban of one to six months and a fine.
The 41-year-old captain left the squad after being an unused substitute in Portugal's Nations League win over Norway and learning he would not start against Denmark. In a lengthy statement, Ronaldo said he left because coach Jorge Jesus twice "broke his word", accusing him of an "absolute breach of trust". Ronaldo apologised to team-mates and fans, accepted accountability, and said he deserved to be punished. He also confirmed he would not retire from international football as he chases 1000 career goals.
FPF president Pedro Proenc told Record that it was a time for calm and composure, adding there was a strong desire to have the captain back and that a normal disciplinary process would follow. Jesus has said the door remains open for Ronaldo to return but has not commented on the player's statement.
Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 Portugal appearances, both men's world records, and helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice. He returned to action last week, scoring his 980th career goal in Al-Nassr's 3-0 win over Diriyah Club.
Portuguese football journalist Delgado told BBC Radio 5 Live he does not think there is a way back, noting that Ronaldo called Jesus a liar three times in his statement. Delgado said polls in Portugal showed only 15% of Portuguese were on Ronaldo's side, and that while people feel they owe him a lot, they believe his time is done. He added that at 41, Ronaldo has no place in Portugal's best XI.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
