Lisbon, October 10,2026: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after disciplinary proceedings were initiated over his departure from the national team camp, Portuguese media reported on Saturday.
The 41-year-old forward left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen ahead of the Nations League match against Denmark last week, following a press conference by coach Jorge Jesus and a subsequent conversation with FPF president Pedro Proença.
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, the federation confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had been opened against Ronaldo.
“Without prejudice to the automatic preventive suspension to which he was subject until the date of initiation, a non-automatic preventive suspension of the player was determined, and the proceedings were given urgent status,” the federation was quoted as saying.
Ronaldo, who remained on the bench against Norway, accused Jesus of breaking promises twice regarding his role in the team.
In a statement exceeding 1,700 words issued on Tuesday and subsequently shared on his social media accounts, Ronaldo apologized for failing to acknowledge supporters after the Norway match and for leaving his teammates.
The Portuguese star said Jesus had initially planned for him to play in the opening match against Wales on September 24, leave him out of the games against Norway on September 27 and Denmark on October 1, and then bring him back for the rematch against Norway on October 4.
According to Ronaldo, the coach initially believed he should not travel for the two middle fixtures. However, the forward said he wanted to set an example as captain and remain with the squad, even if he did not play.
Ronaldo further claimed that Jesus told him at lunchtime on the day of the Norway match that he had changed his mind and intended to give him 30 minutes of playing time. The forward said he agreed despite the decision being outside his physical recovery and training plan.
However, Ronaldo did not enter the match despite warming up on the sidelines.
According to The Athletic, Jesus explained after Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway that it “wasn’t the right moment for Cris to come on,” saying the state of the match had prompted him to change his decision.
The disciplinary proceedings are now being handled on an urgent basis, according to the reports.
