The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has provisionally suspended Cristiano Ronaldo after starting disciplinary proceedings against the former Portugal captain.
The decision was announced on October 9, 2026, following reports that Ronaldo had left the national team camp in Copenhagen.
Ronaldo later confirmed his departure in a post on Instagram. He said he would explain the reasons behind his decision to the Portuguese people at a later date. The incident has raised questions about his relationship with the national team and what lies ahead for the football legend.
Why Has the Portuguese Football Federation Suspended Cristiano Ronaldo?
The FPF confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had been started against Ronaldo. The federation said the decision was taken by its Non-Professional Section on October 9.
‘Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, following a decision by the Non-Professional Section on October 9, 2026,’ the federation said in a statement.
The suspension is provisional, which means it is not necessarily the final decision in the case. The federation has not yet announced the final outcome of the disciplinary proceedings.
Why Did Cristiano Ronaldo Leave Portugal’s National Team Camp?
Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen last week. He later shared a message on Instagram, saying he had decided to leave after speaking with the Portuguese Football Federation president.
‘After the National Team Coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I made the decision to leave the National Team camp,’ Ronaldo wrote.
He also said he would explain his reasons later.
‘In due time, I will tell the truth to all Portuguese people about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself,’ he added.
Ronaldo also wished Portugal and his teammates good luck, making it clear that he wanted to support them despite leaving the camp.
What Happened Between Ronaldo and Portugal Coach Jorge Jesus?
Ronaldo was among the substitutes for Portugal’s match against Norway but did not come onto the field. The forward was unhappy with his role in the team, and his departure from the camp led to questions about his relationship with head coach Jorge Jesus.
After Ronaldo left, Jesus said he had read the player’s statement but did not want to comment further on the matter.
‘I read the statement. And now, as I do every day, I’m going to the Federation to work, to think about the team and the Portuguese National Team. I have nothing more to say,’ Jesus said.
FPF president Pedro Proença also spoke with Ronaldo and the coach following the incident. The federation’s disciplinary process will now decide whether further action is needed.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo Retire From International Football?
There has been no official announcement that Ronaldo is retiring from international football. However, the Portugal captain has said that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his last World Cup.
After Portugal’s exit from the tournament, Ronaldo said he needed time to think about his future and spend time with his family.
‘I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this. I gave it my all. I did my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions,’ he said.
Ronaldo has not won the FIFA World Cup with Portugal, one of the major trophies missing from his career. While he has confirmed that he will not play in another World Cup, his future with the national team remains a separate question.
For now, the focus is on the disciplinary case opened by the Portuguese Football Federation. The final decision will determine what action Ronaldo may face over his departure from the national team camp.