Portugal provisionally suspends Ronaldo after national-team walkout

The Portuguese Football Federation has provisionally suspended Cristiano Ronaldo and opened urgent disciplinary proceedings over his decision to leave the national-team camp after Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on September 27.

The FPF said the case was initiated on October 9 to determine the potential disciplinary significance of events reported two days earlier. It was sent to the federation’s disciplinary instruction committee on October 10, with the investigation to remain private until it concludes.

Ronaldo, 41, was an unused substitute against Norway and subsequently missed Portugal’s victories over Denmark and Norway. In a lengthy statement, he apologised to his teammates and Portuguese supporters, accepted that he should be punished and said his role as captain should count as an aggravating factor.

The forward accused coach Jorge Jesus of twice breaking promises. Ronaldo said Jesus asked him to prepare to play 30 minutes against Norway but did not bring him on, then later failed to give a publicly agreed explanation of the episode. Jesus denied making an agreement with Ronaldo but has said the player can return if he wants to.

Ronaldo said he remained available to play for Portugal after serving any suspension. The Punch reported that FPF president Pedro Proença expects him back during the November international break and said the federation, coaching staff and players want him to return. Any comeback remains subject to the disciplinary process and squad selection.