Cristiano 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 to join his club Al-Nassr following a fallout with national team coach Jorge Jesus over his playing time.
The FPF confirmed that the case was referred to its Disciplinary Investigation Committee on October 10, 2026, and classified as urgent. The federation said the initial provisional suspension had been followed by a further measure, adding that publicity surrounding the case was prohibited 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 case was referred to the Disciplinary Investigation Committee on October 10, 2026, and all publicity is prohibited until the investigation is concluded,” the federation added.
WHAT SPARKED RONALDO’S PORTUGAL FALLOUT?
The dispute followed Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway, in which Ronaldo remained an unused substitute. The forward claimed Jesus had promised him 30 minutes of playing time before changing course, while the coach denied that such an agreement had been made.
Ronaldo subsequently apologised to his teammates and Portuguese supporters for leaving the camp, accepting that his actions warranted disciplinary action. He also called on the federation to decide on an appropriate punishment, insisting that his status 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.
Under Article 160 of the FPF’s disciplinary regulations, unjustified abandonment of national team duty can result in a suspension of between one and six months. However, no final sanction has been announced in Ronaldo’s case.
WILL RONALDO RETIRE FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL?
Despite the fallout, Ronaldo has insisted he remains committed to Portugal and is prepared to accept the consequences of his actions. He has since returned to club action with Al-Nassr, scoring in their 3-0 win over Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 international appearances. He has not announced any retirement from international football, and his next appearance for Portugal will depend on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings and any sanction imposed by the federation.
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