Portugal Suspends Ronaldo Over Squad Walkout

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has provisionally suspended Cristiano Ronaldo after launching urgent disciplinary proceedings against the 41-year-old forward over his decision to walk out on the national team.

Ronaldo left Portugal’s Nations League squad after coach Jorge Jesus left him on the bench as an unused substitute against Norway on September 27, before excluding him from the starting line-up against Denmark on October 1.

Portuguese media report that under federation regulations, players who miss national team activities face suspensions ranging from one to six months.

Ronaldo apologised to supporters earlier this week while criticising Jesus for breaking a verbal agreement regarding his playing time, specifically noting that the manager should not ask “someone of the stature of Pele or Maradona to warm up” without bringing him on.

While accepting that the federation must penalise his actions, the Al-Nassr striker emphasised that he is not retiring from international football and remains committed to playing for Portugal once he serves his punishment.

“I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team.”

Jorge Jesus declined to engage in a public dispute over Ronaldo’s comments, stating he remains focused on working for the national team at federation headquarters.

Despite the off-pitch disruption, Portugal secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals by winning all four of their group matches.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo returned to club action on Friday, scoring his 980th career goal in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 Saudi Pro League victory against Diriyah.