Francisco Conceicao suspension rules him out of Portugal’s key Nations League matches

Portugal will be without Francisco Conceicao for three matches after UEFA suspended the Juventus winger following his dismissal against Norway in the Nations League.

The Portuguese Football Federation retains the right to appeal the decision, either in an attempt to reduce the punishment or have it overturned.

UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body imposed the ban after ruling that Conceicao had directed offensive language at the referee, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola.

The 23-year-old was sent off in the 86th minute of Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway at Estadio do Dragao. He received two successive yellow cards for dissent before becoming involved in a verbal exchange with the fourth official as he made his way towards the dressing room.

Members of Portugal’s coaching staff intervened during the incident.

Conceicao will now miss Portugal’s final two League A group-stage fixtures. They face Denmark in Braga on 14 November 2026 before travelling to Cardiff to play Wales on 17 November.

The suspension will also carry into the knockout phase. Because Portugal have already secured qualification for the quarter-finals, Conceicao is set to miss the first leg of their tie, scheduled to take place next March.

Portugal’s match against Denmark is part of the Nations League’s League A, with the fixture listed for 14 November 2026. Their meeting with Wales will complete the group stage four days later.

The ban represents a significant setback for Portugal before the international break, with Conceicao unavailable for two decisive matches at the end of the group campaign and potentially the opening quarter-final fixture.