Cristiano Ronaldo could be suspended for up to six months and fined after leaving the Portugal national team’s training camp without permission, according to a report by The Sun.
The forward was an unused substitute in Portugal’s match against Norway before departing the camp. The circumstances surrounding his exit have since become the subject of a disciplinary issue under Portuguese Football Federation regulations.
Portugal manager Jorge Jesus, who previously worked with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, said he had initially told the player he would feature against Norway. However, Jesus later changed his decision and left the captain on the bench.
Ronaldo’s departure became public when his sister, Elma Aveiro, called for “more respect” for her brother.
According to ESPN Brazil, the Portuguese Football Federation rule book allows for a suspension of between one and six months for players who leave a national team camp, match or related activity without authorisation.
The regulations also permit a financial penalty. The former Manchester United player has a basic daily wage of £488,000, and the original report suggested that he would be able to afford the fine.
The relevant rule states: “A player duly called up, who without good reason leaves without authorization, or fails to attend a national team training session, game, or any activity related to the FPF and the national team, will be punished with a suspension ranging from one to six months; if it is a professional player, he will also be fined between 500 and 1,000 euros.”
Ronaldo said he would provide an explanation “at the appropriate time”, but did not want to distract his team-mates while Portugal prepared to play Denmark that night.
He had featured in Portugal’s previous match against Wales, although it was a difficult outing for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner after he missed several good chances.
The incident followed an admission from Ronaldo that he had considered retiring after a disappointing World Cup.
The potential disciplinary action relates specifically to his departure from the national team camp. Under the rule cited in the report, any suspension could last from one month to the maximum six months, while the additional fine would be between 500 and 1,000 euros.