Ronaldo handed 30-day ban and fine by Portuguese federation for leaving national team camp
Cristiano Ronaldo has been hit with a heavy punishment for leaving the national team camp during the UEFA Nations League campaign. The 41-year-old Portuguese star has been banned for 30 days and fined 255 euros, about 35,383 taka. The punishment was imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).
The federation's disciplinary council said the Al-Nassr forward deliberately violated article 160(1) of its regulations. In other words, in the council's view, leaving the camp was not an unintentional mistake but a knowing decision — which is why both a ban and a fine were imposed.
The crisis began on October 2. On the day before the Nations League match against Denmark, Ronaldo suddenly packed his bags and left the team's base camp in Copenhagen. That walkout later turned into a major controversy surrounding the national team.
Behind it was a fierce disagreement with new head coach Jorge Jesus. After sitting on the bench in the winning match against Norway on September 28, Ronaldo learned he would not be in the starting eleven against Denmark either. The prospect of being left out of the starting side for two matches in a row reportedly pushed him towards leaving the camp.
After leaving, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner posted a long open letter on social media. In it, he accused Jesus of a 'breach of trust'. He claimed the coach had twice given his word about Ronaldo's role in the team and had not kept it.
Jesus, however, strongly denied that any such agreement or promise had been made. With the two sides contradicting each other, the matter did not remain a debate about a selection decision; it became a question of discipline and authority within the national team.
Amid all this, Ronaldo quickly admitted his own responsibility. He apologised for leaving his teammates after the Norway match and said 'he deserved to be punished'. That acceptance of fault is seen as having helped the disciplinary process move comparatively quickly.
Despite the punishment, Ronaldo is not ending his international career just yet. He has made clear that he remains determined to reach the milestone of one thousand goals. A return to the national team on the way to that target remains open.
The federation has also kept the door open. After Portugal's 2-1 win over Denmark, both Jesus and Portuguese FA president Pedro Proença expressed their willingness to welcome Ronaldo back into the team once the ban ends.
One point, however, is still unclear. The federation's statement did not specify whether the time that has already passed since the process began on October 9 will count towards the 30-day ban. When exactly he can return to the field depends on that calculation.
Portugal will face Denmark again in the Nations League on November 14. Whether Ronaldo can be present in that match depends on how the ban period is counted.
Whatever the punishment, Ronaldo's place in Portugal's history is secure. He holds the world records for most international goals (146) and most international appearances (234). He has given his country the Euro 2016 title and two Nations League titles — and it is on that undisputed foundation that he must now get through this chapter of indiscipline.
