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Cristiano Ronaldo Faces Potential Six-Month Ban After Leaving Portugal Squad
Amir Azimi
Daily News

Cristiano Ronaldo Faces Potential Six-Month Ban After Leaving Portugal Squad

Cristiano Ronaldo Could Be Suspended for Six Months After Quitting Portugal Team

Cristiano Ronaldo might face a suspension lasting up to six months after abruptly leaving the Portugal national team camp following a dispute with manager Jorge Jesus. The veteran striker exited the squad in Copenhagen after being sidelined against Norway, risking sanctions from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) before their match against Denmark.

Unexpected Exit Following Heated Argument

The Portuguese star's sudden departure came right after a tense confrontation with the head coach. Ronaldo then spoke with FPF president Pedro Proenca, but under the federation's disciplinary rules, leaving international duty without a valid reason could lead to a lengthy ban and a financial penalty.

Strict Disciplinary Rules from the FPF

The FPF code of conduct clearly outlines consequences for unauthorized absences. According to ESPN's report, the rules state:

  • Suspension: Between one and six months for players who abandon or miss training, matches, or any national team activities without justification.
  • Fine: Professional players can be fined between 500 and 1,000 euros as an additional penalty.

Conflict Sparked by Bench Decision

The fallout started after Jesus left Ronaldo on the bench during the match against Norway. The coach stood firm on his choice, saying in Copenhagen:

"I am the manager. 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, if not, you won’t. No player will ever change my mind. Not him, not anyone in football. Not any president either. Never, zero."

Rift Leads to Training Boycott

The disagreement escalated when Ronaldo skipped the Wednesday training session at Parken Stadium, immediately after Jesus's comments. The official FPF update stated:

  • Joao Felix: Returned to training with the group.
  • Francisco Conceicao: Ruled out for the upcoming match.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo: Did not participate in training.

Having missed Tuesday’s session in Sweden too, Ronaldo was left out of the squad for Thursday’s match entirely.

Portugal Faces Challenges Without Their Top Scorer

The team now prepares for their Nations League games: Thursday's match in Copenhagen against Denmark and Sunday’s home fixture versus Norway. This series tests Jesus’s control over the squad, managing without Portugal’s all-time top scorer.

The FPF leadership is also faced with a tough decision on whether to enforce the full six-month suspension on their long-serving star.

Upcoming Match Details

  • Competition: UEFA Nations League A
  • Date: 1 October 2026
  • Time: 21:45
  • Fixture: Denmark vs Portugal

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