Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and fined €255 after leaving the national team’s training camp without prior notice. The decision was issued by the Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary committee, with part of the suspension already completed.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp on 30 September, shortly before a scheduled training session at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium. The disciplinary ruling said he informed Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença by telephone that he was not emotionally prepared to remain with the squad.
Why Cristiano Ronaldo was suspended
The case followed Ronaldo’s departure from the Portugal camp without notifying federation officials or members of the team in advance. The disciplinary committee reviewed the sequence of events and imposed a 30-day ban under the federation’s rules.
The suspension began on 1 October. According to the ruling, 19 days had already been served by the time the decision was reported, leaving 11 days still to complete.
That timetable means Ronaldo could be available for Portugal’s scheduled matches against Denmark on 14 November and Wales on 17 November, provided there are no further disciplinary developments or changes to the team’s selection plans.
Fine and remaining ban
- Suspension: 30 days
- Fine: €255
- Start date: 1 October
- Remaining period reported: 11 days
The sanction applies to Ronaldo’s involvement with the Portuguese national team. He continues to play club football for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
Disciplinary committee considered mitigating factors
The ruling acknowledged several factors presented by Ronaldo’s representatives. These included his lack of a disciplinary record during the current season and the previous three seasons, his contribution to football, sporting honours and cooperation with the investigation.
Ronaldo also referred to a statement published on his Instagram account on 6 October. The committee considered his conduct after leaving the camp, including what it described as remorse shown in that statement.
The player submitted details of his sporting career, including awards and other recognition, as part of his request for mitigating circumstances to be taken into account. The committee accepted that these factors were relevant when determining the sanction.
What made the case more serious?
Although the disciplinary body recognised mitigating circumstances, it also identified aggravating elements. These included the level of media attention surrounding the incident and Ronaldo’s position as Portugal’s captain.
A captain is expected to meet additional leadership responsibilities within an international squad. The committee’s reference to that role indicates that Ronaldo’s status within the national team formed part of its assessment of the incident.
The ruling did not remove Ronaldo from international football permanently. Instead, it imposed a fixed suspension that is expected to expire before Portugal’s November fixtures, based on the dates set out in the decision.
What happens next for Portugal?
Portugal’s next step will be to manage the remaining period of Ronaldo’s suspension and decide whether he is available for selection once it ends. His potential return could be relevant as the national side prepares for its upcoming matches.
The case also highlights the separate disciplinary frameworks that apply to international and club football. Ronaldo’s suspension was issued by the Portuguese Football Federation in connection with national-team duties; it does not represent a general ban from playing for Al-Nassr.
Any appeal or further procedural action would depend on the applicable Portuguese football regulations and the terms of the disciplinary decision. The available ruling confirms the punishment and the calculation of the time already served, but does not establish that Ronaldo has been barred from future Portugal selections.
Key takeaway
Cristiano Ronaldo has received a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine after leaving Portugal’s training camp without advance notice. Because the ban began on 1 October and part of it has already been served, he could be eligible to return for Portugal’s matches against Denmark and Wales in November.
