Portuguese Football Federation provisionally suspends Cristiano Ronaldo
- We are all sitting down together at the table, Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), told Portuguese outlet Record, as reported by BBC Sport.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the FPF following his departure from the national team's international training camp on 9 October 2026.
- The FPF marked the ongoing disciplinary case as urgent after issuing the provisional suspension on 9 October 2026.
This is a time for calm and composure. We are all sitting down together at the table,
Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), told Portuguese outlet Record, as reported by BBC Sport.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the FPF following his departure from the national team’s international training camp on 9 October 2026. The 41-year-old forward walked out of Portugal’s Nations League squad in September after remaining an unused substitute against Norway and learning he would not start against Denmark. In a lengthy statement cited by BBC Sport, the Al-Nassr captain explained that he left because national team coach Jorge Jesus twice broke his word, accusing the manager of an absolute breach of trust.
Disciplinary Rules and FPF Investigation
The FPF marked the ongoing disciplinary case as urgent after issuing the provisional suspension on 9 October 2026. Under the governing body’s official regulations, any player who fails to appear or walks out on international duties faces a financial fine alongside a ban ranging from one to six months. Despite the formal proceedings, Proença expressed optimism regarding a resolution during his interview with Record, stating that there is a strong desire to welcome the captain back to the squad following a normal disciplinary process.
Ronaldo Apologizes and Outlines Career Milestones
Ronaldo publicly accepted accountability for his actions and apologized to his teammates and fans, acknowledging that he deserved to be punished for leaving the camp. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner confirmed that he has no intention of retiring from international football as he continues his pursuit of 1,000 career goals. Ronaldo has recorded 146 goals across 234 appearances for Portugal—both men’s world records—while helping his country secure victory at Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles. Having previously considered international retirement following the 2026 World Cup, he recently returned to club action, scoring his 980th career goal in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 win over Diriyah Club.
