Cristiano Ronaldo Receives 30-Day Suspension, €255 Fine After Portugal Camp Walkout

Posted : 20 October 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after leaving the national team camp during the UEFA Nations League. The disciplinary decision, announced on Monday, October 19, follows a disagreement between the 41-year-old forward and Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the team.

The Al Nassr forward departed Portugal’s camp on September 30 after becoming frustrated with his lack of playing time. Ronaldo had warmed up as a substitute during the team’s match against Norway on September 27 but was not brought onto the pitch. He subsequently learned that he would not be included in the starting lineup for the encounter with Denmark on October 1, prompting his abrupt departure.

Following the incident, Ronaldo publicly accused Jesus of going back on assurances about his involvement in the Nations League matches. He maintained that the coach had failed to honour their previous discussions regarding his playing time, although Jesus disputed the existence of an agreement.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner later apologised to supporters and acknowledged that his actions warranted disciplinary consequences. In a statement released on October 6, he accepted responsibility for leaving the squad and indicated that he was prepared to face whatever punishment the federation considered appropriate.

The FPF’s disciplinary committee imposed the minimum suspension available under the relevant regulations, which provide for penalties ranging from one to six months for leaving the national team without justification. The committee considered Ronaldo’s expression of remorse and his willingness to cooperate with the investigation when determining the sanction.

The suspension is being counted from the date of the Denmark match, meaning Ronaldo had already served 19 days by the time the decision was announced. He is therefore expected to complete the remaining period before the end of October, making him eligible for Portugal’s upcoming international fixtures, subject to selection.

Portugal are scheduled to host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales on November 17 in their final Group A4 matches. Ronaldo could be available for both encounters, although his return will depend on Jesus’ decision to include him in the squad.

Despite the dispute, Ronaldo has insisted that he has no intention of retiring from international football. In his earlier statement, he reaffirmed his commitment to representing Portugal and expressed his desire to continue competing for the national team.

Jesus has also left the door open for the veteran forward’s return, indicating that Ronaldo could be selected again if he remains active at club level and wants to continue playing for his country. The final decision on his involvement will rest with the Portugal coach.

Portugal have maintained an impressive run of results during Ronaldo’s absence, winning all four of their Nations League matches and securing qualification for the quarter-finals with two games remaining. Those performances have demonstrated the team’s ability to progress without their long-serving captain, although his experience and record remain significant assets.

Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped male international, with 146 goals in 234 appearances. Following the announcement of his punishment, he did not directly address the decision on social media. Instead, he shared an image of himself preparing for training with Al Nassr, accompanied by the caption, “Putting in the work.”

Cristiano Ronaldo Receives 30-Day Suspension, €255 Fine After Portugal Camp Walkout

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