Portugal's football association provisionally suspends Ronaldo
A tense silence fell over the Portuguese national team’s training camp in Copenhagen when the 41‑year‑old superstar Cristiano Ronaldo left the tent, leaving the squad without its captain. The Portuguese football association FPF announced a provisional suspension on Saturday. The decision follows an escalated conflict with coach Jorge Jesus.
Disciplinary Procedure and Provisional Suspension
The FPF has initiated a disciplinary procedure under Article 160 paragraph 2 of its statutes, which applies when a player leaves a national team camp without permission. The provisional ban remains in effect while Ronaldo’s conduct is examined, and the procedure has been classified as “urgent.”
Dispute with Coach Jorge Jesus
Ronaldo left the camp after differences with coach Jorge Jesus, who had previously announced that he would only be used as a substitute. In the Nations League match against Norway, which Portugal won 2 – 1, Ronaldo warmed up in the second half but never took the field.
The striker accuses Jesus of breaking two promised playing times and stated that his further involvement depends on a clarification with the coach. In a letter to his teammates, he apologized for leaving early after the Norway game.
Implications for the National Team
Ronaldo publicly emphasized that he accepts any sanction imposed by the FPF and will not withdraw from the national team, but hopes for one or more farewell matches. He wrote: “I am not just an ordinary player; I am the captain, and that is a complicating factor.”
On Friday Ronaldo again displayed his form by scoring his 980th career goal for Al‑Nassr in the 3‑0 victory over Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League. The goal marked another milestone in his impressive career.
The provisional suspension remains in place until a final decision is reached; a definitive ruling has not yet been announced. Portugal must now prepare for the Nations League fixtures on November 14 against Denmark and on November 17 against Wales.
The unrest surrounding the captain continues to put pressure on the Portuguese national team, while the FPF strives to maintain discipline within the squad.