Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after leaving the national team's camp last month, the federation confirmed. The FPF issued the suspension on October 9 and marked the disciplinary case as urgent.
Why was Ronaldo suspended?
The 41-year-old captain left Portugal's UEFA Nations League camp before the match against Denmark. He had remained an unused substitute in the win over Norway and then learned he would not start against Denmark. Ronaldo said coach Jorge Jesus twice "broke his word" and called it an "absolute breach of trust." Portugal went on to beat Denmark 4-2 without him.
How long could the ban last?
No final decision has been announced. Under FPF rules, a player who walks out on national team duty can face a suspension of one to six months and a fine. The federation's disciplinary body is still investigating.
Despite his criticism of the coach, Ronaldo accepted responsibility, apologized to his teammates and Portuguese fans, and said he deserved to be punished. FPF president Pedro Proença called for calm and said the federation wants Ronaldo back with the team.
Ronaldo holds the men's international records with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. He helped the team win Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles. He returned to club action with Al-Nassr and scored his 980th career goal in a 3-0 win.
