Cristiano Ronaldo could be suspended for up to six months and fined after leaving the Portugal squad without an accepted justification, according to the disciplinary regulations of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).
The 40-year-old forward left the team’s training camp after Portugal manager Jorge Jesus held a news conference in which he stressed his full authority over team selection and footballing decisions.
Ronaldo subsequently travelled from Copenhagen to Madrid on his private aircraft. The possible disciplinary consequences of his departure were reported by Spanish newspaper Marca, citing Portuguese publication O Jogo.
Under the FPF’s disciplinary code, Ronaldo could receive a suspension lasting between one and six months, as well as a financial penalty, if his departure is deemed unjustified.
The regulations state: “Any player who, after being legally called up, leaves without justification or fails to attend a training session, match or any activity involving the national teams or connected with representing the Portuguese Football Federation or Portugal, shall be punished with a suspension of between one and six months.”
They also say that a professional player can be fined between five and 10 accounting units.
With each accounting unit valued at 102 euros, Ronaldo’s potential fine would be approximately 500 to 1,000 euros.
Federation and Ronaldo issue statements
The FPF confirmed on Wednesday evening that Ronaldo had left the national team camp, but did not explain why he had made the decision.
It added that preparations for the matches against Denmark and Norway would continue as scheduled, with the other 24 players in the squad involved.
“The entire delegation remains fully focused on the national team’s upcoming commitments and on achieving the objectives that have been set,” the federation said in a statement.
Ronaldo later addressed the situation through his social media accounts, saying that he would reveal the real reasons for leaving the camp at an appropriate time.
“After the national team manager’s news conference, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the national team camp,” Portugal captain Ronaldo wrote.
“At the appropriate time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself.”
He added: “For now, it is the right time to wish Portugal and all my team-mates, without exception, the best of luck.”
