The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has opened urgent disciplinary proceedings against Cristiano Ronaldo and provisionally suspended him, the body announced on Saturday. The 41-year-old forward left the national squad during the current Nations League window after a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus over playing time.
"Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo," the federation said in a statement, classifying the case as "urgent" and confirming that the suspension stands while a decision on the final punishment is pending. Dutch broadcaster NOS reported that Ronaldo had effectively been suspended automatically when he left the team, and that the federation has now confirmed the suspension will remain in place for as long as the investigation runs. According to Portuguese media, federation rules provide for a suspension of between one and six months for a player who misses a training session, a match or a national team activity.
The row began when Ronaldo was told to warm up as a substitute against Norway on September 27 but was not brought on, and then learned he would not start against Denmark on October 1. He left the squad. On Tuesday he apologised to supporters but accused Jesus of breaking his word about giving him game time. Ronaldo said the coach had gone back on a promise to use him against Norway and had also failed to make several points they had agreed on before a press conference, including that it was a mistake to ask a player "of the stature of Pele or Maradona" to warm up and then not use him. "This is, believe me, the absolute truth," he said. He stressed he was not retiring from international football, accepted that his actions must be "punished", and said he would be available once any sanction had been served.
Jesus, 72, declined to respond directly to the statement, saying he was going to federation headquarters to work as he does every day. He had earlier said he would pick Ronaldo if the forward was playing for his club and wanted to be called up, adding that the decision was Ronaldo's to make.
The dispute has caused a major stir in Portuguese football because Ronaldo is the country's all-time top scorer and record appearance-maker, and holds the same records in men's international football. Portugal, meanwhile, have won all four of their Nations League matches and have already qualified for the quarter-finals with two games to spare. They host Denmark on November 14 and visit Wales on November 17.
Ronaldo returned to club action on Friday for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, scoring in a 3-0 Saudi Pro League win over Diriyah, his 980th career goal. How long his international suspension will last, and whether it affects his availability for upcoming matches, depends on the federation's final decision.