Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has been officially sanctioned by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), receiving a 30-day suspension and a fine of €255 (INR 27,183.77) for walking out on the national team camp last month.
The decision, announced by the FPF’s Disciplinary Council on Monday, October 19, 2026, brings a formal conclusion to the disciplinary proceedings initiated against the 41-year-old forward.
The incident stems from the September 2026 international break, during which Ronaldo left the Portugal squad without authorization. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s departure followed a reported disagreement with national team head coach Jorge Jesus over playing time.
Incident Details
The dispute began on September 27, 2026, when Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory against Norway. According to reports, Ronaldo expressed frustration after being told by coach Jorge Jesus that he would play, only to remain on the bench.
Tensions escalated when Jesus reportedly informed Ronaldo he would not start in the subsequent match against Denmark. Ronaldo, who plays his club football for Saudi side Al-Nassr, then chose to leave the camp on September 30, 2026, the day before Portugal faced Denmark in Copenhagen.
FPF’s Verdict and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Response
The FPF’s Disciplinary Council found Ronaldo guilty of committing a disciplinary offense under Article 160(1) of its regulations. The council noted that Ronaldo’s acknowledgment of his actions and a clean disciplinary record in recent seasons were considered mitigating circumstances, leading to the minimum penalty provided for in the federation’s rules.
The suspension has been backdated to September 30, 2026, the day of his departure, meaning Ronaldo is expected to be available for selection again by November 14, 2026.
Key Dates and Matches
- September 27, 2026: Portugal vs. Norway (UEFA Nations League – Ronaldo unused substitute)
- September 30, 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp
- October 1, 2026: Portugal vs. Denmark (UEFA Nations League – played without Ronaldo)
- October 19, 2026: FPF announces disciplinary decision
- November 14, 2026: Ronaldo eligible for selection (Portugal set to host Denmark in Nations League)
Following his controversial exit, Ronaldo issued a public apology to his teammates and supporters via Instagram on October 6, 2026, acknowledging his mistake and stating his readiness to accept any imposed punishment.
Despite the controversy, Portugal performed strongly in Ronaldo’s absence, winning all four of their Nations League matches and securing qualification for the quarter-finals with two games to spare.
This marks a significant moment for the Portuguese national team, as one of its most celebrated players faces consequences for a breach of discipline, albeit with a relatively light financial penalty given his stature. The focus now shifts to how this will impact Ronaldo’s future involvement with the national team, especially with upcoming Nations League fixtures on the horizon in November.