Portugal Suspend Cristiano Ronaldo After Walkout

Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) while it investigates his exit from the national team camp. It is not yet known how long the 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward will be sidelined.

The FPF confirmed that its disciplinary department decided on October 9 to open official proceedings, and the case has been sent to its Disciplinary Investigation Commission. The case concerns events reported to the federation on October 7. 

"Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, following a decision by the Non-Professional Section on October 9, 2026," the federation said. 

It added that Ronaldo was first given an automatic provisional suspension as a preventive step and has now also received an additional provisional suspension. The case has been marked "urgent." He will stay suspended until the final punishment is clear, and details will stay confidential until the investigation ends.

Under the FPF's disciplinary rules, Ronaldo can be banned for one to six months, possibly with a fine as well. His admission of guilt could be grounds for a lighter sanction, but nothing has been decided.

The case goes back to Portugal's 2-1 win over Norway, when Ronaldo stayed on the bench. He says Jesus had promised him about half an hour on the pitch. He did warm up but never came on, and he felt he was not taken seriously. He also claims Jesus broke a second promise, to explain the situation publicly at a press conference. Tensions then rose to the point that Ronaldo left the camp before the Denmark game.

He later put out a long statement. He apologised to his team-mates and fans, admitted he should not have left and said his decision could not be without consequences. He also called for a proper punishment. He said his role-model status is the reason his actions should be judged strictly, and he made it clear he is ready to accept the outcome, despite his criticism of Jesus. Earlier this week he repeated that he still wants to play for Portugal.

Ronaldo was back for Al-Nassr on Friday and scored the opening goal in a 3-0 win over Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League. 

Kingsley Coman's shot from outside the box was blocked by goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah, and Ronaldo scored the rebound from close range for goal number 980 of his career. The win leaves the defending champions level on points with leaders Al-Qadsiah, who are ahead on goal difference after eight rounds.

Al-Nassr's next game is in the AFC Champions League Elite against Neftchi Fargona on October 12 at 19:15.