Lisbon (Sports Desk): The Portuguese Football Federation has imposed a 30-day ban and a €255 fine on football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for leaving the national team’s training camp.
According to foreign media reports, the 41-year-old forward left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen earlier this month ahead of the Nations League match against Denmark following a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the team.
Ronaldo had previously been named among the substitutes for the match against Norway but was not brought onto the field. He alleged that coach Jorge Jesus had twice failed to honour promises regarding his role, while the coach denied that any agreement existed.
The federation’s disciplinary council upheld the charge, ruling that Ronaldo had deliberately violated Article 160(1) of its disciplinary regulations. Proceedings began on October 9.
The federation did not clarify which matches or activities the 30-day ban would cover, or whether time already served under a provisional suspension would count towards the punishment.
Ronaldo had also apologised after the Norway match for ignoring fans and leaving without his teammates. He said he would be available for the national team after serving his suspension.
Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proença said that, following the resolution of the matter, everyone at the federation wanted Ronaldo to return to the national team.