The Portuguese Football Federation has taken action against Cristiano Ronaldo by suspending him and initiating disciplinary proceedings due to his departure from the national team camp. The federation announced on Saturday that the matter has been forwarded to its disciplinary investigation committee, with the results to be kept confidential until the investigation concludes.
Ronaldo, aged 41, left the Portugal team camp during the international break following a disagreement with new coach Jorge Jesus regarding his playing time. During Ronaldo’s absence or when he was on the bench without playing, Portugal managed to secure victories in all three matches, with his replacement Goncalo Ramos making an impact by scoring three goals.
After the international break, Ronaldo addressed his 679 million Instagram followers, requesting acknowledgment from the Portugal coach for a situation where he was asked to warm up but not brought on as a substitute during the game against Norway. Despite Ronaldo’s plea, Jorge Jesus did not admit to any wrongdoing.
Acknowledging the possible consequences under the federation’s rules, Ronaldo expressed his anticipation of a suspension but assured his fans that there would be farewell matches arranged. The disciplinary regulations of the federation stipulate that a player who leaves or fails to attend a training session, match, or national team activity without a valid reason may face a suspension ranging from one to six months, along with a monetary penalty.
Although Ronaldo informed the federation about his departure, it remains uncertain whether his reasons will be deemed justified as per the regulations. Ronaldo emphasized the importance of accountability in his recent statement, acknowledging the need for consequences for his actions, as all individuals in football are subject to the same standards regardless of their status.
