Lisbon: Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation after leaving the national team camp amid a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus.
The federation has opened urgent disciplinary proceedings against the 41 year old forward following his departure from Portugal’s squad ahead of their Nations League match against Denmark.
Ronaldo left the team camp in Copenhagen after being left on the bench against Norway on 27 September. He claimed that Jesus had broken his word over his playing time. The coach denied that a formal agreement had been made.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had been launched and that Ronaldo had been provisionally suspended while the case was being considered. A final punishment has not yet been announced.
Under the federation’s regulations, a player who leaves or misses a national team activity without a valid reason can face a suspension of between one and six months, as well as a fine. However, it remains unclear how the rules will be applied in Ronaldo’s case.
Ronaldo has apologised for leaving his teammates and said he would accept any punishment imposed. He has also made it clear that he remains available to represent Portugal.
The federation’s president, Pedro Proença, has expressed a desire for Ronaldo to return once the matter has been resolved
