Portugal suspends Cristiano Ronaldo, open disciplinary case after national team walkout

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has provisionally suspended Cristiano Ronaldo after disciplinary proceedings were opened following his departure from the national team camp.

Ronaldo, 41, left the squad ahead of Portugal's Nations League clash with Denmark after a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking promises over his playing time, having been left on the bench against Norway.

Ronaldo subsequently apologized to his teammates and supporters, admitting he should not have left the camp and calling on the federation to punish him for his actions.

Ronaldo said earlier this week that he would accept whatever punishment was imposed and insisted he still wanted to play for Portugal.

The FPF confirmed Saturday that disciplinary proceedings had been opened against Ronaldo, with the case referred to its Disciplinary Investigation Commission.

"Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, following a decision by the Non-Professional Section on October 9, 2026," the federation said in a statement.

The FPF added that Ronaldo had initially been subject to an automatic provisional suspension before a further suspension was imposed, with the case designated as "urgent."

He could face a harsh punishment -- the federation's disciplinary regulations say that any player who "abandons or fails to appear" without justification at a training session, match or activity of the national teams "shall be sanctioned with a suspension of one to six months," in addition to a fine.