Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 30-day suspension for walking out of Portugal’s national team camp in Denmark may have little effect on his international return, with the punishment expected to expire before the country’s next fixtures in November.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has reportedly sanctioned the 41-year-old forward with a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine following his unauthorised departure from the squad during the September international break.
The sanction follows a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus after Ronaldo was left on the bench and did not feature in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on September 27, despite warming up during the match.
Ronaldo subsequently left the team’s camp in Copenhagen on September 30, ahead of Portugal’s Nations League meeting with Denmark.
The forward later acknowledged responsibility for his actions and accepted that his status as captain did not place him above the team’s rules.
The 30-day suspension, however, raises questions about how much the punishment will affect Portugal’s plans, given that the period is expected to end on October 30, ahead of the team’s November fixtures against Denmark and Wales.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark on November 14 before travelling to meet Wales three days later, leaving open the possibility of Ronaldo’s return if he remains in the national team’s plans.
Beyond the fine, which is modest by the standards of one of football’s highest-paid players, the episode exposes a more difficult issue for Portugal: how to manage the authority of a veteran captain whose influence extends beyond his performances on the pitch.
Ronaldo’s departure followed a disagreement over his role in the team, putting the relationship between the forward and his coach under scrutiny as Portugal prepare for their next international commitments.
Although the reported suspension appears unlikely to keep him out of the November fixtures, his return will also depend on the outcome of the disciplinary process and the resolution of tensions surrounding his relationship with Jesus.
