Portugal have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended, with disciplinary proceedings now under way following his walkout from the national team camp during the recent international break.
The 41-year-old left the squad after a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus, which stemmed from conversations about playing time. Ronaldo was angered by his omission, despite Portugal having won all four of their matches under Jesus, who took charge after the World Cup.
Ronaldo's statement and admission
Ronaldo later issued a statement explaining his actions, criticising what he called "the absolute breach of trust in the coach's word." However, he admitted he deserved to be punished by the Portuguese authorities.
In his statement, Ronaldo said: "The consequence of this act of mine must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation. I understand that the punishment should have no mitigating factors. I am not just any player; I am team captain, and that constitutes an aggravating factor."
Federation confirms proceedings
The Portuguese federation issued a statement confirming the start of proceedings. It read: "The initiation of disciplinary proceedings against Cristiano Ronaldo, by deliberation of the Non-Professional Section, of October 9, 2026, with the purpose of the investigation of any disciplinary relevance of the facts participated on October 7."
The statement added: "Without prejudice to the automatic preventive suspension to which he was subject until the date of establishment, the non-automatic preventive suspension of the player was determined and the urgent nature was attributed to the process."
Potential impact on Nations League
The suspension could have significant consequences for Ronaldo. If it extends beyond a month, he would be ruled out of Portugal's Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales next month.
Ronaldo has chosen to continue playing after his sixth World Cup, despite expectations that he might retire. His actions on international duty now look set to sideline him for a period.
When asked about Ronaldo's outburst, Jesus told reporters: "I read the statement and now, like I do every day, I'm going to the Federation headquarters to work, to think about the Portuguese national team. I have nothing more to say."
