Cristiano Ronaldo suspended by Portugal after leaving national team camp

Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by Portugal after leaving the national team camp during a row over playing time. The urgent disciplinary case leaves his next appearance for Portugal uncertain even as he has returned to scoring for Al-Nassr.Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a suspension by Portugal Federation. (Photo: Reuters)New Delhi,Oct 10, 2026 19:12 ISTCristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after disciplinary proceedings were opened over his departure from the national team camp. The 41-year-old left the squad ahead of Portugal's Nations League clash against Denmark following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus over his playing time.The FPF confirmed on Saturday that the case had been referred to its Disciplinary Investigation Commission and designated as urgent. The federation said the initial provisional suspension had been followed by a further suspension, while details of the proceedings would remain confidential until the investigation concluded."Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, following a decision by the Non-Professional Section on October 9, 2026," the FPF said in its statement.The federation also confirmed that Ronaldo had initially been subject to an automatic provisional suspension before a further measure was imposed. No final punishment has been announced, with the investigation still underway. RONALDO ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITYRonaldo apologised to his teammates and Portuguese supporters for leaving the camp, acknowledging that his actions warranted disciplinary action. He also called on the federation to decide on the appropriate punishment, insisting that his standing as captain should not exempt him from the consequences."The consequences of my actions must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation," Ronaldo said in a statement earlier this week. The controversy followed Portugal's 2-1 Nations League win over Norway, in which Ronaldo remained an unused substitute. He claimed Jesus had promised him 30 minutes of playing time before changing course, while the coach denied that such an agreement had been made.Despite the fallout, Ronaldo insisted he remained committed to Portugal and would accept whatever suspension was imposed. He has since returned to club action with Al-Nassr, scoring in their 3-0 win over Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League.RONALDO SCORES FOR AL-NASSRRonaldo opened the scoring against Diriyah after goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah parried Kingsley Coman's effort, allowing the Portuguese forward to finish the rebound from close range. The goal took his career tally to 980, according to the figures provided.The victory kept Al-Nassr level on points with Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Qadsiah after eight rounds, with goal difference separating the sides. Ronaldo now awaits the outcome of the FPF proceedings as uncertainty remains over his next appearance for Portugal.- Ends