Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and fined €255 by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) for leaving the national team’s training camp following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the squad.
The disciplinary decision, announced on Monday, October 19, 2026, comes after the 41-year-old forward walked out of Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen ahead of their UEFA Nations League encounter against Denmark earlier this month. <Cite refs={[“turn762923news8″,”turn762923search2”]}/>
The incident reportedly stemmed from Ronaldo’s frustration after he was left as an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on September 27. The captain subsequently learned that he would not start against Denmark, prompting his departure from the camp.
Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking his word regarding his expected playing time, describing the situation as a breach of trust. The coach, however, denied making any agreement with the forward over a guaranteed role in the team. <Cite refs={[“turn762923news9″,”turn762923search5”]}/>
Ronaldo accepts responsibility
Following the controversy, the Al-Nassr forward issued a lengthy statement in which he apologised to his teammates, supporters and the Portuguese public for his actions.
He acknowledged that his decision to leave the camp could attract disciplinary consequences and indicated that he was prepared to accept the punishment.
The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings against the five-time Ballon d’Or winner before imposing the 30-day suspension and €255 fine.
According to reports, the disciplinary council considered Ronaldo’s apology and expression of remorse when determining the sanction. The suspension represents the minimum period provided for under the relevant regulations for leaving national-team duties without justification. <Cite refs={[“turn762923search2″,”turn762923search3”]}/>
Will Ronaldo miss Portugal’s next matches?
Despite the suspension, Ronaldo is not expected to miss Portugal’s next scheduled Nations League fixtures, against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17, because the ban takes effect retrospectively from the Denmark match on October 1.
However, the federation’s decision did not initially clarify whether the time Ronaldo had already served under his provisional suspension would count towards the final 30-day punishment. <Cite refs={[“turn762923search2″,”turn762923search7”]}/>
Portugal have continued their campaign successfully in Ronaldo’s absence, winning their recent matches against Denmark and Norway to maintain a perfect record in their Nations League group and secure qualification for the quarter-finals with games to spare.
Portugal keeps the door open
Despite the disciplinary action, Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença has indicated that the organisation wants Ronaldo to return to the national team once the matter is resolved.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and record appearance-maker, making his continued involvement important as the country prepares for future international competitions.
The latest development marks another significant moment in the veteran forward’s international career, with attention now turning to his return to the squad and his relationship with coach Jorge Jesus.
Although the dispute has generated considerable attention, Ronaldo’s apology and willingness to accept the punishment could help pave the way for reconciliation as Portugal continues its preparations for upcoming fixtures.
