Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after leaving Portugal’s international camp in September.
The 41-year-old captain left the Nations League squad after being an unused substitute against Norway and later learning he would not start against Denmark.
In a statement, the Al-Nassr forward said he left because Portugal coach Jorge Jesus had twice “broken his word”, describing it as an “absolute breach of trust”.
The FPF confirmed that the provisional suspension was issued on 9th October, with the case marked as urgent.
Under the FPF’s rules, players who fail to report for or leave international duty can face a suspension of one to six months, as well as a fine.
FPF president Pedro Proença told Portuguese outlet Record that the situation required calm and composure, adding that there was a strong desire to have Ronaldo back with the national team.
He also said the matter would go through the normal disciplinary process.
Ronaldo has accepted responsibility for his actions and apologised to his teammates and fans, saying he deserved to be punished.
However, he has confirmed he will not retire from international football as he continues to chase 1,000 career goals.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, both men’s international records, and helped the team win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice.
He had considered retiring from international football after the World Cup in the summer but decided to continue.
Ronaldo returned to action last week, scoring his 980th career goal in Al-Nassr’s 3-nil win over Diriyah Club.
Source: BBC Sport
