Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) following disciplinary proceedings over his decision to leave the national team’s squad amid disagreements with coach Jorge Jesus over playing time.
The federation announced the development on Saturday, confirming that the case involving the 41-year-old forward had been classified as urgent while it considers the appropriate sanction.
“Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo,” the FPF said in a statement, confirming that the player would remain suspended pending a final decision on the punishment.
Ronaldo had earlier apologised to supporters for his actions but criticised Jesus over the handling of his playing time during Portugal’s Nations League campaign. He also indicated that he was prepared to accept any punishment imposed by the federation.
The dispute reportedly began when Ronaldo was asked to warm up as a substitute during Portugal’s match against Norway on September 27 but was not introduced into the game.
His frustration deepened after he was informed that he would not be in the starting lineup for the encounter against Denmark on October 1, prompting his departure from the national team’s squad.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker, who holds the records for the most appearances and goals in men’s international football, subsequently addressed the controversy publicly.
On Tuesday, Ronaldo accused Jesus of reneging on an understanding regarding his involvement in the Nations League matches. However, he maintained that he had no intention of retiring from international football.
“I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,” Ronaldo said, while accepting his actions must be “punished” by the federation.
According to Portuguese media reports, the federation’s regulations provide for suspensions ranging from one to six months for players who fail to attend training sessions, matches or other national team activities.
Ronaldo also alleged that Jesus failed to honour an agreement concerning his participation in the match against Norway.
He further claimed that the coach did not make certain points they had agreed upon during a private conversation before addressing the media ahead of the Denmark fixture.
Among the points reportedly agreed upon was Ronaldo’s view that the coach should not have asked a player of his standing to warm up without eventually introducing him into the match.
One of the pre-approved talking points was that Jesus had “made a mistake in asking someone of the stature of Pele or Maradona to warm up and then not sending him on in the match.”
Jesus declined to engage directly with Ronaldo’s accusations when questioned about the controversy.
“I read the statement, and now, like I do every day, I’m going to the federation headquarters to work, to think about the Portuguese national team,” said the 72-year-old coach.
The coach had earlier said he would consider selecting Ronaldo for international duty, provided the forward was playing for his club and remained interested in representing Portugal.
Despite the dispute, Portugal have enjoyed a strong Nations League campaign, winning all four of their matches and securing qualification for the quarter-finals with two games remaining.
The Portuguese side are scheduled to host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales on November 17 in their final two Group A4 fixtures.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo returned to club football on Friday, featuring for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in their 3-0 victory over Diriyah in a Saudi Pro League match.
The forward scored in the encounter, taking his career tally to 980 goals.
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