The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has given Cristiano Ronaldo a 30-day suspension and a fine of €255 for leaving the Portugal squad’s camp during the Nations League break. The ruling was announced on Monday, 19 October 2026. Here is what happened, what the federation decided and what it means for Portugal’s next games.
The Decision
Gulf News reports that the FPF suspended Ronaldo, who is 41, for 30 days and fined him €255 (about $286). It says this is the minimum penalty under the federation’s rules, which allow a suspension of one to six months for a player who leaves national team activity. The federation’s disciplinary council found that he intentionally committed an offence under Article 160(1) of its disciplinary regulations, Flashscore reports.
What Led to It
- 27 September: Ronaldo warmed up as a substitute in the Nations League match against Norway but did not come on, according to Gulf News.
- Before the Denmark match (1 October): He learned he would not start, and left Portugal’s camp. Gulf News dates his departure to 30 September.
- 6 October: He issued a statement. Al Jazeera says he admitted that leaving was not the best way to handle it and apologised to his teammates, saying that “the responsibility is exclusively mine.” He also said that, as captain, his position should be an aggravating factor.
- 9 October: The federation opened disciplinary proceedings and, according to Al Jazeera, he was provisionally suspended.
- 19 October: The council announced its ruling.
The Dispute With the Coach
Ronaldo said coach Jorge Jesus broke his word more than once about how he would be used, including a promise to bring him on against Norway. Flashscore reports that Jesus denied making any agreement. After the ruling, Gulf News says Jesus said he would pick Ronaldo if he were playing for his club, Al Nassr, and wanted a call-up. Ronaldo said he is not retiring from international football, and Al Jazeera notes he said he still wants to play for Portugal.
Which Matches Will He Miss?
The reports differ on this point.
- Gulf News says the suspension runs from the Denmark match day. It says Ronaldo has served 19 days and will complete the ban by the end of October, which would leave him available for Portugal’s last two group games: at home to Denmark on 14 November and away to Wales on 17 November.
- Flashscore says the ruling did not say which matches or activities the suspension covers, or whether time already served counts towards the 30 days.
Because of this, it is safest to wait for a clear statement from the federation on the exact dates.
Portugal Without Him
Gulf News says Portugal won all four of their Nations League matches without Ronaldo and qualified for the quarter-finals with two games to spare. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has played on for Al Nassr. Al Jazeera reports that he scored in a 3-0 win over Diriyah on 9 October, and Gulf News says that after the ruling he posted a training photo from his Saudi club with the caption “Putting in the work.”
Ronaldo’s Record for Portugal
Al Jazeera says Ronaldo has played 234 matches for Portugal and scored 146 goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the suspension?
30 days, with a fine of €255.
Why was he suspended?
For leaving Portugal’s camp during the Nations League break.
Is 30 days the maximum penalty?
No. It is the minimum. The rules allow one to six months.
Will he miss the November games?
Gulf News says he will be available for both, but Flashscore says the ruling did not set out which matches are covered.
Has he retired from Portugal?
No. He has said he is not retiring from international duty.
The case ends a dispute that has overshadowed Portugal’s Nations League campaign. Whether Ronaldo returns for the November games will depend on the federation’s final dates and the coach’s choice.
