Ronaldo Handed 30-Day Suspension by Portugal Football Federation

Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after leaving the national team camp during the UEFA Nations League, according to the report.

The 41-year-old forward was also fined €255 ($286), receiving the minimum punishment stipulated under the federation’s regulations for players who leave the national team without authorisation. The rules reportedly provide for suspensions ranging from one to six months.

Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp on September 30 after becoming frustrated over his expected playing time. He had warmed up as a substitute during the match against Norway on September 27 but was not introduced, before learning that he would not start against Denmark on October 1.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner subsequently apologised to supporters and said he was prepared to accept whatever punishment the authorities imposed. In a statement issued on October 6, he reportedly admitted his mistake and expressed remorse over the incident.

According to the report, the FPF disciplinary committee considered Ronaldo’s apology when determining the sanction. His suspension was backdated to the day of Portugal’s match against Denmark, meaning he had already served 19 days of the ban and was expected to complete it by the end of October.

Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Portugal maintained an impressive run in the Nations League, winning four consecutive matches and securing qualification for the quarter-finals with two games remaining, the report said.

Portugal were scheduled to host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales on November 17 in their final two Group A4 fixtures. By those dates, Ronaldo was expected to have completed the suspension.

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and record appearance-maker. However, the reported disciplinary action places renewed attention on the veteran forward’s relationship with the national team setup and the importance of complying with squad regulations.