Ronaldo Fined and Suspended After Portugal Camp Walkout
Cristiano Ronaldo has been fined €255 and given a 30-day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after leaving the national team during last month’s Nations League campaign.
The 41-year-old departed Portugal’s camp before the match against Denmark following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus. The suspension is set to expire before Portugal’s Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales in November, leaving Ronaldo eligible for both matches.
Dispute Over Promised Playing Time
Ronaldo said the disagreement began after he was told he would play around 30 minutes in Portugal’s match against Norway. He said the plan did not fit his recovery schedule, but he agreed to it after speaking with the coach.
“To my absolute surprise, the coach asked me whether I was ready to play 30 minutes. I was completely focused on my physical recovery, integrated with my teammates as always, and thinking that I would not play that day. I had no problem with that.”
Ronaldo said he was told to prepare for the appearance, but was ultimately left on the bench. He described the decision as a breach of the coach’s promise.
“Everyone knows what happened next. I warmed up from halftime, watched the minutes go by, and was not called upon. The coach had broken his word to me.”
FPF Cites Mitigating Factors
The federation said the €255 fine was the maximum permitted after mitigating circumstances were considered. Ronaldo’s admission and clean disciplinary record were among the factors taken into account. The FPF had provisionally suspended him before confirming the final sanction.
Ronaldo had previously said he would accept whatever punishment the federation imposed while making clear that he still wanted to represent Portugal.
Federation President Backs Ronaldo’s Return
FPF president Pedro Proença has described Ronaldo as a key figure for the national team and expressed confidence that the forward and Jesus can resolve their differences.
“Our captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, is one of our key pieces.”
The dispute has prompted debate about Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s plans, but the federation’s public support leaves the door open for the captain to return for the November fixtures.
Source: ESPN News Services, with information from The Associated Press. Photo: Getty Images.
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