Cristiano Ronaldo travelled to Copenhagen as Portugal’s captain for the Nations League campaign. In Oslo, the 41-year-old sat on the bench against Norway, warmed up after being told he would be used, and remained an unused substitute when Jorge Jesus made no substitution involving him.
Ronaldo said Jesus had twice broken his word about his place in the side. He said he had expected to come on against Norway before the coach changed his mind, and later described the episode as an “absolute breach of trust”.
After being told he would not start against Denmark on October 1, Ronaldo left Portugal’s training base in Copenhagen before the Nations League match.
Portugal beat Denmark 2-1 without him. Jesus said the door remained open for Ronaldo’s return.
Portugal’s FA disciplinary council has now suspended Ronaldo for 30 days and fined him €255 (£215). The council found that he had intentionally committed an offence under Article 160(1) of the federation’s disciplinary regulations, describing the matter as a “serious infraction” and the sanction as “adequate and sufficient”.
The proceedings were opened on October 9. The federation’s disciplinary committee said it had considered “the remorse shown” in Ronaldo’s statement.
Ronaldo submitted his CV, including his awards and achievements, to the disciplinary panel as part of his defence. He later accepted accountability, apologised to his teammates and fans, and said he deserved to be punished. He also apologised for failing to acknowledge supporters after the Norway match and for leaving his teammates.
Ronaldo said he remained available for selection once he had served any punishment. The timing means he will miss no Portugal matches during the suspension.
Pedro Proença, the Portuguese FA president, said people across the federation wanted Ronaldo back with the national team once the case had been resolved. Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goalscorer, with 146 goals in 234 caps.
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