Cristiano Ronaldo has been given a 30-day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation after leaving his country's international camp last month. The 41-year-old captain walked out of Portugal's Nations League squad in September after being an unused substitute against Norway and then finding out he would not start against Denmark.
Ronaldo said in a lengthy statement that he had left because Portugal coach Jorge Jesus twice "broke his word", accusing him of an "absolute breach of trust". The Al-Nassr forward was provisionally suspended on 9 October. On Monday, the federation's disciplinary council said it had upheld the charge in full and imposed a fine of 255 euros (£189).
It is not clear which matches or activities the suspension would cover, or whether time already served under a provisional suspension would count towards the 30-day sanction. Jesus denied making any agreement with Ronaldo but left the door open for his return following his side's 2-1 victory. Ronaldo accepted accountability and apologised to his team-mates and fans, before adding he deserved to be punished.
FPF president Pedro Proenc told Portuguese outlet Record there is a "strong desire" to have Ronaldo back with the national team once the matter is resolved. Ronaldo, who has won the Ballon d'Or five times, has scored 146 goals in 234 Portugal appearances, both men's world records, helping them win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing