Ronaldo Punished for Leaving Portugal Camp: 30-Day Ban and 255-Euro Fine

Cristiano Ronaldo has been punished for leaving the national team camp. The Portuguese Football Federation has banned him for 30 days and fined him the maximum 255 euros. The federation announced the punishment on Monday 20 October.

The episode began last month around a UEFA Nations League match. After being left on the bench against Norway, Portugal captain Ronaldo accused coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word over playing time. He then left the national team camp before the match against Denmark.

According to the federation, Ronaldo's admission and his previously clean disciplinary record were taken into account when the punishment was set. Even after considering those mitigating factors, the maximum fine was imposed, together with the one-month ban.

Once the ban ends, however, the 41-year-old forward will be able to play in Portugal's next two matches in November against Denmark and Wales. The punishment therefore does not end his international career; it keeps him out for a defined period.

After leaving the camp, Ronaldo accused Jesus in a social media statement of not keeping his word. He claimed the coach had told him to be ready to play 30 minutes against Norway.

Ronaldo said the coach had asked him whether he was ready to play 30 minutes against Norway, and that he was completely surprised. At the time he was focused on his physical recovery and was training with his teammates. He had thought he would not play that day, and he had no problem with that.

He added that the request was outside his rehabilitation and training plan, because he was only supposed to play on 4 October in Dragao. Even so, he agreed. The coach told him to stay ready because he would play 30 minutes.

Describing what happened next, Ronaldo said everyone knows what followed. After half-time he warmed up and watched the time pass, but he was never brought on. The coach had not kept his word to him — that is Ronaldo's central complaint.

Ronaldo had earlier said he would accept any punishment from the federation. At the same time he expressed his wish to continue playing for the national team. A major new dispute over the announced punishment therefore looks unlikely for now.

Portuguese federation president Pedro Proenca, however, has kept faith in Ronaldo. He believes the captain will settle his dispute with Jesus and return to the team. Proenca said Cristiano Ronaldo, their captain, was the greatest asset in Portuguese football history and one of the team's most important players.

Even at 41, Ronaldo remains at the centre of the Portugal team — this episode has shown that again. The dispute with the coach, the walkout from camp and then the federation's punishment have together sparked major discussion in Portuguese football.

What remains to be seen is how Ronaldo returns when the ban ends for the November matches, and whether his relationship with Jesus returns to normal. Supporters will be watching what effect the captain's comeback has on performances on the pitch.