The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has opened urgent disciplinary proceedings against Cristiano Ronaldo and provisionally suspended the 41-year-old forward following his decision to walk out on the national team squad. The all-time top goalscorer and record appearance-maker in men's international football remains suspended while the federation deliberates on his final punishment.
Ronaldo left the national team after being instructed to warm up as a substitute during a Nations League match against Norway on September 27 without being brought onto the pitch, and subsequently learning he would not start against Denmark on October 1. Portuguese media reports indicate that under federation regulations, any player who misses a training session, match, or national team activity faces a potential suspension ranging from one to six months.
Earlier this week, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker apologized to supporters while acknowledging that his actions warranted disciplinary action. On Tuesday, Ronaldo publicly accused Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus of breaking a promise regarding his playing time in Nations League fixtures. Ronaldo explained that Jesus had reneged on an agreement to bring him on against Norway and failed to address several agreed-upon topics during a press conference prior to the Denmark match. Among those pre-approved talking points was an assertion that Jesus had "made a mistake in asking someone of the stature of Pele or Maradona to warm up and then not sending him on in the match."
Despite his frustration with the team management, Ronaldo emphasized that he is not retiring from international duty. "I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team," Ronaldo stated, while accepting that his actions must be "punished" by the federation.
When asked about Ronaldo's comments, the 72-year-old head coach declined to address the specific criticisms directly. "I read the statement, and now, like I do every day, I'm going to the federation headquarters to work, to think about the Portuguese national team," Jesus said. Last Sunday, Jesus noted that he would continue to consider Ronaldo for selection provided the forward is playing for his club and remains interested in being called up.
On the pitch, Portugal has enjoyed a strong campaign, winning all four of their Nations League matches and securing qualification for the quarter-finals with two games to spare. Portugal is scheduled to host Denmark on November 14 before traveling to face Wales on November 17 in their final two Group A4 fixtures.
Ronaldo returned to club action on Friday for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, scoring in a 3-0 victory against Diriyah in a Saudi Pro League match. The strike marked the 980th goal of his professional career.
