- October 20, 2026
Ronaldo Handed 30-Day Suspension After Walking Out On Portugal Following Rift With Coach
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The suspension took effect from the day of Portugal’s match against Denmark on October 1. Ronaldo has already served 19 days of the ban.
Cristiano Ronaldo is seen prior to the start of the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Diriyah FC at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. (AFP photo)
Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after walking out of the national team camp following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus over his playing time.
The 41-year-old forward has also been fined 255 euros ($286), with the federation imposing the minimum suspension prescribed under its regulations for leaving the national team without authorisation.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp on September 30 after being an unused substitute against Norway on September 27, despite warming up during the match. He then learnt he would not start against Denmark on October 1.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had accused Jesus of going back on his word about giving him game time. He later apologised to supporters and said he would accept any punishment.
‘I Will Be Available’
In a social media post following the incident, Ronaldo insisted 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,” he wrote.
The FPF disciplinary committee said it had considered “the remorse shown in the statement” Ronaldo issued on October 6, in which he acknowledged his mistake and expressed his willingness to accept the consequences.
The suspension took effect from the day of Portugal’s match against Denmark on October 1. Ronaldo has already served 19 days of the ban and is expected to complete it by the end of October.
Ronaldo Returns To Training
Despite the controversy, Jesus later said he would consider selecting Ronaldo for Portugal if the forward remained active at his Saudi club, Al Nassr, and wanted to return to the national side.
Portugal have won all four of their Nations League matches in Ronaldo’s absence, securing qualification for the quarter-finals with two games to spare.
The team will host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales on November 17 in their final two Group A4 fixtures.
Ronaldo did not directly comment on the suspension after Monday’s announcement. Instead, he shared a photograph of himself preparing to train with Al Nassr, captioned: “Putting in the work”.
The Portugal captain remains the country’s all-time leading goalscorer and record appearance-maker in men’s international football.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Ask News18Cristiano Ronaldo was suspended for 30 days and fined 255 euros after leaving Portugal’s national team camp without authorization following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus over his playing time.
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October 20, 2026, 02:18 IST
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