Portuguese FA provisionally suspends Cristiano Ronaldo after leaving national camp
October 10, 2026 20:20
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has issued a provisional suspension for Cristiano Ronaldo after he walked out of the national squad following a Nations League match. The FPF said the provisional suspension was issued on 9 October and that the case has been marked as "urgent".
CONTEXT
Ronaldo left Portugal's camp after being an unused substitute in the Nations League win over Norway on 4 October and then learning he would not start the following fixture against Denmark. In a lengthy Instagram statement he accused coach Jorge Jesus of twice "breaking his word" and described an "absolute breach of trust".
The FPF's rules state any player who fails to appear or walks out on international duties can face a ban of one to six months and a fine. Pedro Proença, president of the FPF, told Record: "This is a time for calm and composure. We are all sitting down together at the table. There is a strong desire to have our captain back with us. There will be a normal disciplinary process."
Ronaldo has accepted accountability and apologised to team-mates and fans, saying he deserved to be punished. He also confirmed he would not be retiring from international football and remains on course in his personal goals; he returned to club action last week, scoring in Al-Nassr's 3-0 win over Diriyah Club.
WHY IT MATTERS
The FPF has opened a formal disciplinary procedure that can impose a suspension and a fine under its regulations. The issue has already generated public debate in Portugal about Ronaldo's place in the side and his relationship with the coaching staff.
REMARKS FROM OTHERS
Manager Jorge Jesus has said the door remains open for Ronaldo to return if he chooses to, but has not commented further on the player's statement. Portuguese journalist José Manuel Delgado told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I don't think there is a way back. In the statement, Ronaldo says he will return to the national team but at the same time he calls Jesus a liar three times."
ADDITIONAL FACTS
Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal and helped them win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The FPF has described the matter as urgent and said it will follow a "normal disciplinary process." No dates or outcomes have been announced.