Cristiano Ronaldo has been temporarily suspended after the Portuguese football federation (FPF) launched disciplinary action against the 41-year-old for leaving the national team camp.
Ronaldo issued an apology to supporters on Tuesday, while also expressing criticism of Portugal manager Jorge Jesus. He said he would accept any punishment handed to him.
“Disciplinary proceedings against Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro began after a ruling by the non-professional section on 9 October 2026,” the FPF announced in a statement on Saturday.
The forward explained his side of the disagreement that led him to leave Copenhagen before Portugal faced Denmark in the Nations League last week.
According to Ronaldo, he and Jesus had agreed that he would sit out the matches against Norway and Denmark to protect his fitness. On the day of the Norway fixture, however, the coach informed him that he would play for 30 minutes.
“What followed is known by everyone. I began warming up at half-time, watched the clock run down and was never brought on,” Ronaldo said. “The coach did not keep his promise.”
Portugal won all three matches in which Ronaldo was absent or remained on the bench. His replacement, Gonçalo Ramos, made the most of the opportunity by scoring three goals. Portugal will next meet Denmark and Wales in the Nations League in November.
After the international break, Ronaldo shared a lengthy Instagram message with his 679 million followers. He called on Jesus to admit that asking him to warm up without bringing him on against Norway had been a mistake, but the Portugal manager declined to do so.
Ronaldo said he anticipated being suspended under federation regulations, but assured supporters that there would be “one or more farewell matches.” He has since rejoined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr and scored in Friday’s 3-0 win over Diriyah.
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