Rabat – Cristiano Ronaldo could face a suspension of up to six months following his decision to leave Portugal’s national team camp in Copenhagen, according to the disciplinary regulations of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).
Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that Article 160 of the FPF Disciplinary Regulations covers players who leave or fail to attend national-team training, matches or other activities without justification.
Under the rule, a player who has been properly called up and unjustifiably leaves national-team activities can be suspended for between one and six months. Professional players can also receive a fine of between five and 10 accounting units, equivalent to approximately €510 to €1,020.
The regulation also states that an absence or departure can trigger an automatic provisional suspension while the disciplinary process is handled.
However, the key issue would be whether Ronaldo’s departure is formally considered “unjustified.” The FPF has not announced a disciplinary case or confirmed that any suspension has been imposed.
FPF confirms Ronaldo’s departure
Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp on Wednesday, one day before the Nations League match against Denmark.
The 41-year-old announced that he had decided to leave following head coach Jorge Jesus’ press conference and after speaking with FPF president Pedro Proença. Ronaldo said he would explain the reasons for his decision at a later date.
The FPF subsequently confirmed his departure but offered no explanation for it.
“The Portuguese Football Federation informs that Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo has left the national team camp taking place in Copenhagen,” the federation said.
It added that preparations for the matches against Denmark and Norway would continue with the remaining 24 players.
The situation followed several days of reported tension between Ronaldo and Jesus.
Ronaldo remained an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday despite warming up, while Jesus later said he had originally planned to introduce the forward before changing his decision based on the course of the match.
Ronaldo also did not take part in Portugal’s pitch session on Tuesday, although the federation said he instead completed specific gym work and there was no indication of an injury.
Any potential disciplinary consequences will now depend on how the FPF formally assesses the circumstances surrounding his departure.
