Cristiano Ronaldo: Small fine after scandal in the national team

Because his national coach didn't say what Cristiano Ronaldo wanted at a press conference, he left the Portuguese national team's training camp early. But the scandal has only minor consequences for the superstar and record national player. As the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced, the disciplinary board imposed a fine of 255 euros for leaving the training camp early.

Additionally, Ronaldo was banned for 30 days. This would mean he would be available again for Portugal's next international matches against Denmark (November 14th) and in Wales (November 17th) in the Nations League.

The trigger was Ronaldo's behavior during the recent international break in the Nations League. Ronaldo left the national team early after he was not used in the 2-1 first leg in Norway. Ronaldo later explained that he was not originally scheduled to play, just like in the third game. Coach Jorge Jesus asked him before the game to play 30 minutes, which didn't happen.

After a clarifying conversation with Jesus and sports director Simao Coutinho, the coach was actually supposed to clear up the matter at the press conference, Ronaldo later announced on Instagram. Among other things, the sentence "It was a mistake on my part to send a player of the caliber of Pelé or Maradona to warm up but then not use him" was agreed. Because coach Jesus did not publicly apologize to Ronaldo, Ronaldo accused his coach of “breaking his word”.

The association's proceedings against Ronaldo were opened on October 9th. The disciplinary board upheld the charge in its entirety. Ronaldo therefore intentionally violated Article 160 of the disciplinary code. However, he has already served most of his ban: the 30-day period began with the provisional suspension the day after the player's departure on September 30th, the association said in a statement.

Ronaldo recently ruled out resigning, but he apparently made the continuation of his career in the Seleção dependent on replacing Jesus. Ronaldo complained that the coach had broken his word. In a letter he apologized to his teammates for their departure and also asked the fans for their forgiveness.

The superstar should be able to cope with the fine. With a weekly salary of around four million euros according to media reports at the Saudi Arabian first division club Al-Nassr, Ronaldo earns just under 400 euros per minute.

Years of sporting decline and stubbornness culminate in a rift between Portugal and its greatest son. You can read about Ronaldo's self-dismantling here.