Preventive suspension of Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Denmark

The 41‑year‑old Cristiano Ronaldo was provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) on Saturday, following his departure from the Seleçao camp on September 30 after a dispute with the manager. The suspension is pending a final decision.

Disciplinary Procedure and Suspension

The FPF opened an urgent disciplinary procedure, stating that Ronaldo was already suspended before the investigation was launched. The statement says no communication will be made until the file’s investigation is completed. The announcement was confirmed by the AFP agency.

Rules and Obligations

According to the federation’s regulations, a player who misses a training session, a match or a national team activity faces a suspension of one to six months, according to Portuguese media. Enforcing these rules is essential.

The drama unfolded on September 30 when Ronaldo left the group, furious to learn he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark in Copenhagen scheduled for the next day. This decision surprised international football observers.

A few days earlier, he had already expressed his frustration after being left on the bench during the match against Norway in Oslo. The manager had justified his choice by citing tactical reasons.

Ronaldo provisionally suspended: the FPF initiates urgent procedure

On Wednesday, Ronaldo posted an apology on his social media, addressing Portuguese fans and his teammates, while leaving the door open for a return after serving the suspension that will be imposed on him. He nevertheless strongly criticized manager Jorge Jesus, his former coach at Al‑Nassr where they won the league.

Jorge Jesus retorted: “The rules are the same for everyone.” He accuses him of breaking his word twice: not playing him against Norway and not following the pre‑approved notes.

One of those notes stipulated that Jesus should acknowledge having “made a mistake by asking someone of Pelé’s or Maradona’s stature to warm up and then not field him in the match.” This remark fueled the tension between the manager and the star.

Portugal's federation bans Ronaldo pending discipline after Copenhagen

Portugal won its four Nations League matches, including the last three without Ronaldo, and qualified for the quarter‑finals. It will face Denmark at home on November 14. The statement was published in the FPF’s Sports section.