Ronaldo provisionally suspended by Portuguese FA
Quick Look
- Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation after leaving Portugal's Nations League squad in September.
- The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward walked out following disputes with coach Jorge Jesus over playing time, accepting accountability while confirming he will not retire from international football as he pursues 1,000 career goals.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, is Portugal's all-time leading scorer with 146 goals in 234 appearances, a men's world record. He helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice. After considering retirement post-World Cup, he continued playing to chase 1,000 career goals, having scored 980 for club and country combined.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after leaving his country's international camp last month.
The 41-year-old captain walked out of Portugal's Nations League squad in September after being an unused substitute against Norway and then finding out he would not start against Denmark.
In a lengthy statement, the Al-Nassr forward later explained he left because Portugal coach Jorge Jesus twice "broke his word", accusing him of an "absolute breach of trust".
In a statement, the FPF said a "provisional suspension" was issued on 9 October and they had marked the case as "urgent".
The FPF's rules state any player who fails to appear or walks out on international duties faces a ban of one to six months, as well as a fine.
Pedro Proenc, president of the FPF, told Portuguese outlet Record:, external "This is a time for calm and composure. We are all sitting down together at the table.
"There is a strong desire to have our captain back with us. There will be a normal disciplinary process."
Ronaldo accepted accountability and apologised to his team-mates and fans for his actions, before adding he deserved to be punished.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner also confirmed he would not be retiring from international football as he continues to chase down 1000 career goals.
Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 Portugal appearances - both men's world records - helping them win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice.
He considered retiring from international football after the World Cup in the summer but opted to continue.
Ronaldo returned to action last week, scoring his 980th career goal in a 3-0 win for Al-Nassr over Diriyah Club.
The Ronaldo saga has been rumbling on for some time, with many fans critical of former Portugal boss Roberto Martinez's insistence on starting Ronaldo at this summer's World Cup.
Things came to a head on 4 October when Ronaldo was an unused substitute in the Nations League win over Norway. The player subsequently left camp after finding out he would also not start against Denmark in November.
Ronaldo then published a near 2,000-word statement on Instagram slamming Jesus.
He apologised to fans and team-mates while dismissing any suggestion that he had played his last match for Portugal.
"We will have one or more farewell matches, there will be time for that," the statement said.
Manager Jesus had said the door remains open for Ronaldo to return if he chooses to, but has not commented on his latest statement.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The FPF will impose a formal sanction on Cristiano Ronaldo following the disciplinary process
Very likely · Within weeks
Cristiano Ronaldo will continue playing for Al-Nassr and pursue his 1,000 career goal milestone
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific promises did Jorge Jesus allegedly break regarding Ronaldo's playing time?
- When will the FPF's disciplinary process conclude and what sanction will be imposed?
- Will Ronaldo play for Portugal in upcoming matches despite the provisional suspension?
