The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has officially issued a 30-day suspension to national team legend Cristiano Ronaldo following his unauthorized departure from an international training camp last month. In addition to the ban, the veteran player, who currently plays for the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, has been ordered to pay a fine of €255.
According to the disciplinary committee's ruling, the suspension period began on 1 October. Because a portion of the penalty has already been served, the player has 11 days remaining on his ban. This timeline suggests Ronaldo could be available for selection for Portugal’s upcoming international fixtures against Denmark on 14 November and Wales on 17 November.
The sequence of events leading to the punishment occurred on 30 September, when Ronaldo left a camp at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen prior to a scheduled training session. The disciplinary document notes that the player departed without informing any members of the FPF or his teammates in advance. During a subsequent phone conversation with FPF President Pedro Proença, Ronaldo stated that he did not feel in the right emotional frame of mind to continue with the squad. The committee noted that the player explicitly informed the president that he was not in an emotional condition to remain at the training camp.
In its assessment, the disciplinary committee considered several mitigating factors requested by the player, including his lack of a disciplinary record over the current and previous three seasons, his contributions to the sport, his commendations for sporting merit, and his contribution to establishing the material truth. To support his case for mitigation, the player submitted his sporting CV, detailing his extensive history of awards and professional recognitions. Regarding the contribution to establishing the material truth, the player referred to the statement published on his Instagram page on 6 October.
Despite these considerations, the FPF highlighted aggravating elements in its final decision, specifically citing the significant media coverage surrounding the case and Ronaldo's responsibility as the team captain. The committee also acknowledged the remorse shown by the player in his 6 October statement.
In assessing the case, the committee acknowledged Ronaldo's services to football and his multiple awards. The body also took into account "his conduct after the events, in particular the remorse shown in the statement of 06.10.2026."
