Cristiano Ronaldo has been fined €255 ($285.90) and handed a 30-day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation after walking out on the national team during last month's UEFA Nations League campaign. The punishment was provisionally imposed and announced on Monday.
Ronaldo, 41, left the squad ahead of Portugal's clash with Denmark following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus. He accused Jesus of breaking promises over his playing time after being left on the bench against Norway. Ronaldo said he had been told to prepare to play 30 minutes against Norway, a request that fell outside his physical recovery and training plan. "I warmed up from halftime, watched the minutes go by, and was not called upon," he said. "The coach had broken his word to me."
Ronaldo said he would accept whatever punishment the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) imposed, while adding that he still wanted to play for the national team. FPF president Pedro Proença said he believes Ronaldo remains "a key player" for Portugal and is confident the captain will resolve his dispute with Jesus and return to the squad.
Portugal have two Nations League matches remaining, against Denmark and Wales in November, and Ronaldo is set to be eligible for those games. The 30-day suspension and the fine leave his availability for the upcoming fixtures in question as the dispute with the coach plays out.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing