The 41-year-old forward left Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen on Wednesday, ahead of the UEFA Nations League fixture against Denmark, after head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that he would not start the match.
Under Article 160 of the Portuguese Football Federation’s (FPF) Disciplinary Regulations, a player who has been called up and leaves or fails to attend a national team training session, match or related activity without justification can be suspended for between one and six months.
Professional players may also face a fine of between five and 10 accounting units, currently equivalent to about €500 to €1,000. The regulations also provide for an automatic provisional suspension while a disciplinary case is being considered.
However, no disciplinary sanction has been imposed on Ronaldo, and the FPF has not announced that a formal disciplinary case has been opened against him. A key issue will be whether his departure is ultimately deemed unjustified under the federation’s rules.
Ronaldo announced his departure on social media after speaking with FPF president Pedro Proença and following Jesus’ press conference.
“Following the national team coach’s press conference, and after having a conversation with the Portuguese Football Federation president, I decided to leave the national team’s training camp,” Ronaldo wrote.
He added that he would explain his reasons “in due course” and wished his teammates success in their upcoming fixtures.
The decision came after Ronaldo was left on the bench for the entirety of Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday. Jesus had subsequently indicated that the forward would not start against Denmark.
Jesus has denied reports of a personal rift with Ronaldo, maintaining that his team selection was based on tactical considerations.
Following Ronaldo’s departure, Portugal continued preparations for the Denmark fixture with the remaining members of the squad, while the FPF confirmed the forward’s exit without providing further details about the circumstances surrounding it.
Ronaldo’s sister, Elma Aveiro, has also criticised the treatment of her brother in posts on social media amid the controversy.
The situation has raised questions about Ronaldo’s future with the national team, although neither the player nor the FPF has announced that he is retiring from international football.
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