Cristiano Ronaldo could face six-month ban after Portugal camp walkout

Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation after leaving Portugal’s training camp following a dispute with manager Jorge Jesus, with a disciplinary panel set to decide whether the ban will last between one and six months.

The punishment was triggered automatically under the federation’s regulations, according to the British newspaper the Mirror. Ronaldo’s final suspension will now be determined by the disciplinary council, which is expected to consider all aspects of the incident, including the player’s public apology.

Ronaldo left the camp after Jesus asked him to warm up during Portugal’s opening Nations League match against Norway, which Portugal won 4-2, but did not bring him on. The forward regarded the decision as an insult and chose to depart from the squad.

If the suspension exceeds one month, Ronaldo will miss Portugal’s next two Nations League matches, against Denmark and Wales next month. ESPN has suggested that the eventual punishment is likely to be short-term, although the disciplinary council will assess the full circumstances before reaching its decision.

Ronaldo issued a lengthy statement on Tuesday in which he accepted responsibility for leaving the camp and said he should be punished by the federation.

“I must also apologise to my team-mates in the national team for leaving the camp,” he said. “Despite the clear breach of trust in the coach’s word, as those who witnessed those conversations can confirm, I should not have done it.”

He added: “The responsibility is mine alone. I apologise once again to the Portuguese people, but breaking my word to them has a decisive effect on me. I felt that from that moment onwards, my staying would only harm the group, and I did what I have always said I would do if I no longer felt useful: I packed my bags and left.”

Ronaldo also said the consequences of his actions should be determined by the Portuguese Football Federation.

“The consequences of this action must be assessed and I must be punished by the Portuguese Football Federation,” he said. “I realise there should be no mitigating circumstances for the punishment. I am not just any player; I am the captain of the team, and that is an aggravating circumstance.”

He continued: “I have already apologised, but I know that situations must have consequences. Everyone who works in football, as I do, knows that regardless of each person’s status, the rules apply to everyone.”

Jesus responded to the developments by saying: “I read the statement and now I am doing my job as I do every day. I am going to the federation to work and think about the team.”

Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal since his international debut and holds the national scoring record with 146 goals.