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Cristiano Ronaldo faces possible suspension after leaving Portugal’s national team camp in Copenhagen on September 30, with the Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary regulations allowing a ban of one to six months for unjustified abandonment of national-team duty.
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The incident followed a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus over Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s Nations League victory against Norway and disagreements over how the situation would be explained publicly.
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Ronaldo has apologised to teammates and supporters, accepted that his actions should carry consequences and insisted he remains available for Portugal after serving any punishment.
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The final sanction has not been confirmed, leaving uncertainty over the captain’s availability for Portugal’s upcoming international fixtures.
October 10, (THEWILL) – Cristiano Ronaldo faces the prospect of a suspension from international football after walking out of Portugal’s national team camp, with the Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary rules allowing a ban of up to six months for unjustified abandonment of national-team duty.
The 41-year-old forward left the squad in Copenhagen on September 30 following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus over his role in Portugal’s Nations League match against Norway. Ronaldo warmed up during the game but remained an unused substitute before departing ahead of the subsequent fixture against Denmark.
The incident has raised questions about Ronaldo’s immediate future with Portugal, although the forward has insisted that he has not retired from international football and intends to return after serving any punishment imposed.
Under the Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary regulations, a player who unjustifiably abandons national-team duty can face a suspension ranging from one to six months, alongside a possible fine. However, the applicable punishment in Ronaldo’s case remains subject to the disciplinary process, and the final length of any suspension has not been confirmed.
Ronaldo Explains Rift With Jorge Jesus
Ronaldo’s departure followed a disagreement with Jesus, who previously coached the forward at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
In a statement released on October 6, the Portugal captain said Jesus had initially proposed an arrangement under which he would miss the matches against Norway and Denmark to manage his fitness. Ronaldo said he rejected the idea because he believed it would set a poor example for the captain to remain behind while his teammates travelled.
According to Ronaldo, the situation changed on the day of the Norway fixture when Jesus told him he could play approximately 30 minutes. The forward warmed up from half-time but was never introduced, leaving him frustrated by what he considered a broken promise.
“Everyone knows the rest. I warmed up from half-time onwards, watched the minutes tick by and wasn’t called on,” Ronaldo said, according to Reuters.
“The manager had broken his word to me.”
Ronaldo further claimed that a subsequent discussion produced an agreement for Jesus to clarify the circumstances surrounding his omission at a press conference. He said the coach’s public remarks did not reflect what they had discussed privately, prompting him to leave the camp rather than wait for another explanation.
Jesus has disputed Ronaldo’s account of their discussions, denying that he made the agreement described by the forward. The disagreement has consequently developed into a public dispute between Portugal’s record goalscorer and the coach responsible for the national team.
Portugal Captain Apologises and Accepts Consequences
Despite his criticism of Jesus, Ronaldo has acknowledged that leaving the national team camp was a serious decision, particularly given his responsibilities as captain.
The forward apologised to his teammates for departing and to Portuguese supporters after failing to join the squad in acknowledging the fans following the Norway match. He also accepted that his standing in the team should not shield him from disciplinary action.
“The consequences of my actions must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation,” Ronaldo said in his statement.
His apology has not erased the disagreement, but it has clarified his position on the potential consequences. Ronaldo said he understood that his conduct required a response from the federation and that being captain made his responsibilities greater, rather than giving him an exemption from the rules.
The forward has also made clear that he intends to continue representing Portugal. He said he would remain available for selection after serving any suspension, provided he is physically fit and performing well for Al-Nassr.
That declaration leaves the door open for a return, although the timing will depend on the disciplinary outcome and how the dispute with Jesus is resolved.
Portugal’s Next Steps and Ronaldo’s International Future
The potential suspension creates a selection challenge for Portugal as the team prepares for its next international fixtures. Ronaldo remains the country’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances, and has been central to its successes at the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 and 2025 Nations League tournaments.
However, the disciplinary regulations apply regardless of a player’s reputation or achievements. Portuguese news agency Lusa, reporting through public broadcaster RTP, cited the rules allowing a suspension of between one and six months, with a possible additional fine for unjustified abandonment of national-team duty.
Portuguese media have suggested that Ronaldo’s admission of responsibility could be relevant when the sanction is determined, but no final decision or reduction has been officially confirmed.
Jesus has separately indicated that Ronaldo could return to the squad if he wishes and continues playing for his club. The coach’s comments suggest that the forward’s international future has not been formally closed off, even as the disciplinary issue remains unresolved.
For Portugal, the immediate priority is to settle the case while maintaining focus on upcoming competitive fixtures. For Ronaldo, the episode represents a significant setback in his relationship with the national team, but not, by his own account, the end of his international career.
The final disciplinary decision will determine how long Portugal may have to manage without its captain. Until then, the uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s suspension and his relationship with Jesus will remain central to the national team’s preparations.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
