The Portuguese Football Federation announced on Saturday that it has suspended Cristiano Ronaldo and referred his case to its disciplinary investigation committee. The committee will keep its findings confidential until a final decision is reached.
Walkout triggers suspension
Ronaldo, 41, walked out of the Portugal national team camp during the recent international window. He left after a disagreement with new head coach Jorge Jesus about his lack of playing time. In the three matches Portugal played, Ronaldo was either an unused substitute or absent, while his replacement Gonçalo Ramos scored three goals as Portugal won all three games.
Ronaldo’s response on social media
Following the incident, Ronaldo posted a lengthy message to his 679 million Instagram followers. He asked Coach Jesus to acknowledge what he called a mistake in asking him to warm up on the sidelines and then not sending him onto the field against Norway. Jesus has not publicly responded to the request.
Ronaldo wrote that he expected a suspension under federation rules but promised his fans that “we will have one or more farewell matches.” He also apologized, stating, “I know that actions must have consequences. Anyone in football as I am knows that, regardless of each person’s status, the rules are the same for everyone.”
Potential penalties under federation rules
The federation’s disciplinary regulations state that any player who “abandons or fails to appear” without justification at a training session, match or activity of the national teams “shall be sanctioned with a suspension of one to six months,” in addition to a fine. Ronaldo did inform the federation that he was leaving, but it remains unclear whether the federation will deem his departure justified under the regulations.
Should the committee decide the walkout was unjustified, Ronaldo could face a suspension ranging from one to six months and a monetary penalty. The federation has not disclosed the amount of any potential fine.
Impact on the national team
Portugal’s recent success in the international window, winning all three matches, has raised questions about the team’s depth and the role of veteran players versus emerging talent. Gonçalo Ramos’s three‑goal performance has earned him praise and suggests a possible shift in the squad’s attacking options.
Coach Jesus has emphasized that his selections are based on form and tactical considerations, and he has not indicated any intention to reinstate Ronaldo for upcoming fixtures. The federation’s disciplinary process will determine whether Ronaldo can return to the national team before the next competitive window.
What’s next?
The disciplinary investigation committee will review the circumstances surrounding Ronaldo’s departure and issue a ruling in due course. Until then, the Portuguese national team will continue its preparations without Ronaldo, focusing on the players who have been active in recent matches.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
