Lisbon: The Portuguese Football Federation has imposed a 30-day ban on star forward Cristiano Ronaldo for leaving the national team’s training camp.
According to international media reports, Ronaldo left the camp after a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the team.
The federation’s disciplinary council upheld the charge in full against the 41-year-old and also fined him €255 (about $285.83).
The council’s unit handling unprofessional conduct said Ronaldo deliberately committed an offense under Article 160(1) of the federation’s disciplinary regulations. Proceedings began on October 9, two days after the report of the incident was filed.
Background
Earlier this month, Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen ahead of the Nations League match against Denmark. Before that, he had been named among the substitutes for the match against Norway but did not get the chance to play.
Ronaldo alleged that the coach twice failed to keep his promise regarding his role in the team. Jesus denied any agreement with Ronaldo, but after Portugal’s 2-1 win, he did not rule out the player’s return.
Ban details unclear
The federation’s statement did not clarify which matches or activities the ban applies to, nor whether time already served under a provisional suspension will count toward the 30-day penalty.
Ronaldo apologizes
Ronaldo later apologized for not acknowledging fans after the Norway match and for leaving his teammates behind. He said he would be available for the national team once he has served his punishment.
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença said that once the matter is resolved, everyone at the federation wants Ronaldo back in the national team.