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Cristiano Ronaldo recently left the national side abruptly and is now facing some charges. The Al Nassr forward has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) following the opening of urgent disciplinary proceedings over his decision to leave the national team camp during the recent UEFA Nations League international window.
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Ronaldo, who announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup was his last during the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada, was still part of the team after the ne manager took over. However, following some tensions, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner suddenly decided to part ways. The legendary superstar had earlier revealed that there was some mismanagement with the team coach over his playing time.
Why did Portugal FA suspend Cristiano Ronaldo after he left national team camp?
FPF regulations stipulate that a player who abandons or fails to appear for national team activities without justification faces a suspension of between one and six months, potentially accompanied by a fine. A full confession without reservations can in some cases lead to a reduction of the penalty.
The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward and Portugal captain was informed of the measure after the federation’s Non-Professional Section decided on 9 October to investigate the events reported on 7 October. The FPF confirmed a non-automatic provisional suspension in addition to any automatic preventive measures that had already been applied, marking the case as urgent and referring it to its disciplinary instruction committee. Publicity has been excluded until the investigation concludes. The FPF said in a statement:
"Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, following a decision by the Non-Professional Section on October 9, 2026.”
The statement by the federation further read:
"The case was referred to the Disciplinary Investigation Committee on October 10, 2026, and all publicity is prohibited until the investigation is concluded.”
The provisional suspension does not constitute a final sanction. The disciplinary process will determine the appropriate outcome based on the facts of the walkout. Given the urgent status assigned to the case, a decision is expected in the coming weeks, potentially affecting Ronaldo’s availability for Portugal’s next Nations League fixtures in November.
The dispute began after Portugal’s 2-2 Nations League win over Norway
The case stems from a rapid deterioration in relations between Ronaldo and new head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 away victory over Norway on 27 September. According to his subsequent lengthy public statement on his social media account, Jesus had indicated he would play approximately 30 minutes. When that did not happen, and after being told he would not start the following match against Denmark, Ronaldo informed the federation of his departure from the camp in Copenhagen and left.
Meanwhile, Portugal went on to win their remaining fixtures without him, including victories over Denmark and Norway, finishing the group stage with four consecutive wins and securing a place in the quarter-finals. Goncalo Ramos and others stepped up effectively in Ronaldo’s absence to power the side to the victories. However, he did apologise to the Portuguese fans and his teammates following his departure from the camp, stating that he accepts his actions warranted disciplinary action.
Ronaldo, earlier this week, had said in a statement:
"The consequences of my actions must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation.”
In a statement of nearly 2,000 words released earlier this week, Ronaldo accepted full responsibility for leaving the camp while accusing Jesus of an “absolute breach of trust” after allegedly breaking his word on two occasions regarding the player’s role. Ronaldo wrote:
“Despite the absolute breakdown of trust in the head coach’s word… I shouldn’t have done it. The responsibility is mine alone.”
The footballer added that he expected disciplinary action under federation rules and remained available to represent Portugal once any sanction was served, expressing hope for farewell matches in the future.
Portugal coach and president hopes his return in November; Ronaldo also willing to come back
Jorge Jesus is not new to coaching Ronaldo. He previously coached him at Al-Nassr and has left the door open for a return. After Portugal’s final group match, he stated that if the former Real Madrid player wants to come back, he will be welcomed. The coach has maintained that selection decisions rest solely with him and that no player, regardless of status, dictates playing time.
On the other hand, Pedro Proença expects Ronaldo will be back in November. The FPF president, as per Fabrizio Romano, said:
“The Federation, the coach, all the teammates are aligned: we want Cristiano back. I expect him back already during the November international break.”
Proenca also stated that Ronaldo is “willing to return,” calling the former Manchester United superstar the “best of all time.”
Ronaldo continues to shine at club level alongside his iconic international resume
Ronaldo’s international career has been one of extraordinary longevity and achievement. Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with a record number of goals and appearances, he has represented his country at six World Cups and remains a central figure in the national team’s identity even at 41. His continued presence had already sparked debate about the transition to a younger generation following this year’s World Cup.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo went on to score shortly after returning to Al-Nassr duty, underlining his enduring physical condition. He is now just 20 goals away from reaching the historic 1000 goals. On the other hand, whatever the final disciplinary outcome, the case marks a crucial moment in the relationship between Portugal’s greatest footballer and the national team. Both the federation and the player have signalled openness to resolution, and the fans await the decision. It is expected that the Portuguese will be back until November.
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