Cristiano Ronaldo could return for Portugal’s next Nations League matches under minimum ban

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently serving a temporary international suspension after leaving Portugal’s training camp in Denmark last week, but he could still be available for the team’s next two Nations League fixtures.

Under Portuguese Football Federation regulations, the suspension took effect automatically when the captain departed the camp. However, the federation’s disciplinary council has yet to meet to decide the final punishment.

According to ESPN, Ronaldo could receive a ban of between one and six months. The disciplinary panel is expected to consider all mitigating circumstances, including the Portugal forward’s public apology on Tuesday.

If Ronaldo receives the minimum sanction of one month, he would be eligible for selection by Portugal manager Jorge Jesus for the team’s next Nations League matches against Wales and Denmark on 14 and 17 November respectively.

A three-month suspension would have a more limited impact. In that scenario, Ronaldo would miss both of those fixtures but could return in time for Portugal’s quarter-final in March 2027. Their opponent in that round has not yet been determined.

A six-month ban appears unlikely, with several factors understood to be in Ronaldo’s favour during the internal assessment. Among them is his record of success with Portugal over a career spanning more than 20 years.

Portugal have already secured their place in the final stage of the 2026-27 Nations League. Their remaining objective is to determine whether they finish top of Group D in League A or qualify as runners-up.

The disciplinary council’s decision will therefore determine whether Ronaldo is available for the decisive group fixtures, or whether his suspension extends into the knockout phase of the competition.

The possible sanctions range from a relatively short absence to a punishment that could rule him out for the remainder of the Nations League campaign. His public apology and long-standing contribution to the national team are among the circumstances that could lead to a reduced sentence.