The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for 30 days after leaving the field for the national team during the recent international window.
Ronaldo left the squad early amid a dispute with Jorge Jesus stemming from the manager’s decision not to bring him on as a substitute. PortugalUEFA Nations League victory in Norway.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star later posted a long statement detailing the reasons for their actions.
Ronaldo, who accused Jesus of breaking his word, apologized for leaving his team-mates and for not approaching the traveling fans after the game against Norway. The 41-year-old added that he remained available for selection for the national team, dispelling talk of a retirement, and said he would accept any punishment for his decision.
The non-professional section of the FPF disciplinary board found that Ronaldo had intentionally committed an offense in violation of Article 160(1) of the federation’s disciplinary regulations.
Proceedings against Ronaldo were opened on October 9 and on Monday the disciplinary board said it had upheld the original charge.
The ruling did not indicate which matches or activities would be covered by the suspension. It also did not specify whether time served under an interim suspension would count toward the 30-day ban.
Ronaldo was also fined €255 (£215), but Portuguese media reports claim he will be available for selection during the November international break.
Portugal beat Denmark and won a second leg with Norway in Porto in Ronaldo’s self-imposed absence.
Having qualified for the quarter-finals of the Nations League, Portugal host Denmark on November 14 before rounding off their group stage campaign with a trip to Wales three days later.