Cristiano Ronaldo got a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) for a disciplinary offence that relates to his departure from the national team. The 41-year-old forward was already on a provisional suspension due to a clash with his teammates on September 30 while he was in Copenhagen to prepare for a UEFA Nations League match against Denmark.
The disciplinary proceedings stem from a previous international match against Norway in which Ronaldo was said to be in a row with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus about the forward’s playing time.
Ronaldo’s account says an assistant coach had told him that he would come into the game for around 30 minutes. The veteran striker was not included in an advancing roster however after warming up the team, Portugal still managed to beat the opposition 2-1.
Ronaldo then exited the field without making eye contact with the travelling fans, making his way straight down the tunnel after the whistle. He left the national team training camp which led to an investigation by the FPF.
The federation in its disciplinary decision determined that Ronaldo had deliberately breached Article 160(1) of its disciplinary code. The penalty involves a suspension of 30 days and a fine of €255.
However, Ronaldo is still likely to be fit for Portugal’s next two Nations League matches, on November 14 against Denmark and November 17 against Wales. The suspension has come at time which would not be expected to hinder him in either game.
It marks a formal resolution of a tussle that was a lot of attention thanks to Ronaldo’s long history of significance in Portuguese football.
The disciplinary process will now take a backseat as now the question will be whether or not the veteran forward will be fit enough to resume his international duties as expected and how it will affect his relationship with the coaching staff.
