Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal future has taken another dramatic turn after a legal expert revealed that the Al-Nassr star is already serving an automatic suspension following his decision to leave the national team camp. However, despite the possibility of a ban lasting up to six months, Ronaldo’s own admission and apology could significantly reduce the punishment.
Ronaldo walked out of Portugal’s camp on September 30 after a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus. The 41-year-old had been an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway and subsequently claimed that Jesus had broken an agreement over his playing time.
Ronaldo later explained that he had been told he would play 30 minutes against Norway, only to remain on the bench despite warming up from half-time.
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He also accused Jesus of breaking a second promise over how the situation would be addressed publicly. Jesus, however, has denied that such an agreement existed.
Ronaldo Already Serving Automatic Suspension
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, legal expert Gonçalo Almeida believes there is little doubt that Ronaldo will face disciplinary action for leaving the camp.
Almeida, who is also a judge at the FIFA Football Tribunal, explained that Article 160 of the Portuguese Football Federation's disciplinary regulations provides for a suspension of one to six months, along with a fine, when a player leaves a national-team activity without justification.
More importantly, Almeida said the regulations mean the suspension was activated automatically when Ronaldo left the camp.
“Ronaldo already finds himself suspended for the purposes of participating in or representing the national team,” Almeida explained. The FPF's Disciplinary Council will now begin proceedings, notify Ronaldo and allow him to present his case before a final decision is made.
Ronaldo’s Own Statement Could Save Him From Lengthy Ban
The latest development could work in Ronaldo’s favour.
Article 244 of the FPF disciplinary regulations allows a player to admit the facts against him. If that admission is complete, unconditional and considered credible, the minimum and maximum limits of the applicable punishment can be reduced by half.
Almeida believes Ronaldo’s public statement could satisfy that requirement because the Portugal captain openly accepted responsibility for leaving the camp.
Ronaldo himself had called for punishment, rather than attempting to avoid disciplinary action.
“The consequence of this act of mine must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation,” Ronaldo said, adding that he believed the punishment should have “no mitigating factors” because he is the team captain and his position could be considered an aggravating factor. He also apologised to his teammates and the Portuguese supporters.
Under Almeida’s interpretation, the minimum one-month suspension could therefore be reduced to 15 days, while the minimum fine could fall from €510 to €255. The automatic suspension already served would also count towards the eventual punishment.
Will Ronaldo Return For Portugal?
Despite the bitter dispute with Jesus, Ronaldo has made it clear that he has no intention of walking away from international football.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he would remain available for Portugal after serving whatever punishment is imposed, provided he remains fit and performing for Al-Nassr.
“If I’m physically fit, playing for my club – scoring goals, I hope – after serving whatever suspension is imposed on me, I’ll be available, as I’ve always been until now, to compete and win for our national team,” Ronaldo said.
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Jesus has also left the door open for Ronaldo’s return, saying the decision ultimately rests with the veteran forward. Portugal Football Federation president Pedro Proença has similarly indicated that the dispute can be resolved internally.
Portugal’s next Nations League fixtures are against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17.