Ronaldo Cleared to Return for Portugal After 30-Day Suspension for Walking Out
Ronaldo walked out of camp, apologized and asked to be punished. Portugal's federation gave him 30 days, and he is back in line for the November fixtures.
Cristiano Ronaldo's short exile from the Portugal national team is almost over. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) handed the 41-year-old a 30-day suspension for walking out of camp, and because it was backdated he is free to return by the end of this week.
What Happened
Ronaldo left the squad on September 30, during the opening Nations League qualifiers. The row was with head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo said Jesus had promised him playing time against Norway and then left him on the bench. He also said Jesus failed to mention, at a press conference before the Denmark game, a series of points the two had agreed.
The federation confirmed that disciplinary proceedings were opened, and that the case was referred to its Disciplinary Investigation Commission and marked "urgent." Ronaldo first received an automatic provisional suspension and then a further one. Under FPF regulations, a player who "abandons or fails to appear" without justification can be suspended for one to six months and fined, though it was unclear whether his departure would be treated as justified. The National reported he was also fined €255.
Ronaldo's Response
Ronaldo apologized to teammates and supporters, admitted he should not have left the camp and asked the federation to punish him. He said he would accept whatever sanction came and that he still wanted to play for Portugal. He has insisted he is not retiring from international football.
Portugal Managed Without Him
Portugal won all four of their Nations League matches, three of them without Ronaldo, and qualified for the quarter-finals with two games to spare. That makes the Jesus question awkward: the team is winning, and the debate is about how a 41-year-old captain fits.
What Comes Next
Ronaldo is in Portugal's preliminary squad for next month's Nations League matches, according to a federation source. An FPF spokesperson said he is in line to return for the games on November 14 and 17, which include home and away fixtures against Denmark and Wales. Jesus will announce his final squad on November 6.
Back at Al Nassr
Ronaldo's club career has carried on. He scored the opener as Al Nassr beat Diriyah 3-0 in the Saudi Pro League last Friday, which ESPN reported as his 980th career goal. Tallies vary between outlets, and our earlier report counted No. 982. Al Nassr sit near the top of the table and were due to host Al Kholood on Thursday.
Ronaldo has also just been voted the winner of a fan prize for the greatest Ballon d'Or year of all time. Read the full story on the BOAT award.
Follow the rest of the action in our soccer coverage.
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Background from Wikipedia
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro (born 5 February 1985) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for and captains both the Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team. Nicknamed CR7, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He has won numerous individual accolades throughout his career, including five Ballons d'Or, a record three UEFA Men's Player of the Year Awards, and four European Golden Shoes. He was named the world's best player five times by FIFA.
Ronaldo is one of the most decorated players in the history of professional football.
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Cristiano Ronaldo suspended by Portugal?
He left the national team camp during the opening Nations League qualifiers after a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo said Jesus broke promises about his playing time, and he had been left on the bench against Norway.
How long is Ronaldo's Portugal suspension?
The Portuguese Football Federation gave him a 30-day suspension that was backdated, so he is free to return by the end of this week. Reports say it did not rule him out of club matches.
When will Ronaldo play for Portugal again?
He is in the preliminary squad for next month's Nations League matches, and a federation spokesperson said he is in line to return for the fixtures on November 14 and 17. Jorge Jesus names the final squad on November 6.
Is Ronaldo retiring from international football?
No. Ronaldo has insisted he is not retiring from international duty and said he still wants to play for Portugal.
Sources & Official Resources
Rules, schedules and statistics in this article are checked against these official sources. See our editorial policy for how we fact-check.
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