Ronaldo Faces Possible Six-Month Portugal Ban

Cristiano Ronaldo could face a suspension of up to six months from representing Portugal after leaving the national team’s UEFA Nations League camp without what the Portuguese Football Federation considers sufficient justification.

The 41-year-old forward left Portugal’s training base in Copenhagen following a reported dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus after he was left on the bench for the 2-1 win over Norway.

Ronaldo had started Portugal’s opening Nations League match, a 1-0 victory over Wales, but was not included in the starting XI against Norway.

Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo had been told he would only feature as a substitute if required.

‘I can promise whatever I want. I’m the manager and I told the player he was not going to play. I’ll put him on the bench; if I need you for 30 minutes, you’ll play, and if not, you won’t,’ Jesus said.

Portuguese FA regulations state that a player who, after being officially called up, fails to attend training, a match or another national-team activity without justification can face a suspension of one to six months, in addition to a fine.

Ronaldo will reportedly not return to the Portugal squad for the remainder of the current international window, with further discussions expected before the team’s November fixtures.

The veteran striker has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, both world records for an international player.