Cristiano Ronaldo faces possible six-month ban after leaving Portugal camp

Cristiano Ronaldo could face a suspension of up to six months and a fine after leaving the Portugal national team camp without an officially accepted justification.

The Portugal captain departed shortly after a news conference held by head coach Jorge Jesus, who stressed that he had full authority over team selection and footballing decisions.

Ronaldo then travelled from Copenhagen to Madrid on his private aircraft. The decision could lead to disciplinary action under the Portuguese Football Federation’s regulations, according to reports by Spanish newspaper Marca, citing Portuguese publication O Jogo.

The potential punishment could also affect Ronaldo’s future involvement with the national team, with uncertainty over whether he will return to the squad.

Possible suspension and fine

Under the Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary code, a player can be suspended for between one and six months, as well as fined, if leaving the national team camp is deemed unjustified.

The regulations state: “Any player, after being legally called up, who leaves without justification or fails to attend a training session, match or any activity of the national teams, or one related to sporting representation of the Portuguese Football Federation or Portugal, shall be punished with a suspension of between one and six months.”

The rules add that a professional player can also receive a fine of between five and 10 accounting units.

With each accounting unit valued at 102 euros, Ronaldo could face a fine of approximately 500 to 1,000 euros.

Federation and Ronaldo give no explanation

The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo’s departure from the camp on Wednesday evening but did not explain why he had left.

It said preparations for the matches against Denmark and Norway would continue as planned, with the other 24 players in the squad taking part.

“The entire delegation remains fully focused on the national team’s upcoming commitments and on achieving the objectives that have been set,” the federation said.

Ronaldo later addressed the situation through his social media accounts, saying he would explain the reasons for his decision at a later date.

“After the national team coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the national team camp,” he wrote.

“At the right time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I have always devoted myself.”

He added: “For now, it is the right time to wish Portugal and all my team-mates, without exception, the best of luck.”