Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp after coach dispute
Cristiano Ronaldo could face a suspension of up to six months after leaving Portugal’s national team camp in Copenhagen following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus.
According to Goal, the 41-year-old forward departed the Portugal setup on Wednesday after being left on the bench for the team’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over Norway.
Ronaldo had remained an unused substitute for the entire match, the first time in 18 years he had gone through a competitive Portugal international without playing.
Goal reported that Ronaldo later held talks with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença before leaving the camp.
FPF rules allow suspension of up to six months
Ronaldo’s departure could potentially trigger disciplinary action under Portuguese Football Federation regulations.
The rules, cited by Goal via ESPN, provide for a suspension of between one and six months when a properly called-up player leaves or fails to attend national team training, matches or other official activities without justification.
A professional player can also face a fine of between €500 and €1,000 under the same provision.
No suspension had been confirmed in the source report.
Jorge Jesus stands firm over team selection
Tensions intensified after Jesus publicly defended his decision-making ahead of Portugal’s meeting with Denmark.
The coach said Ronaldo’s status would not influence his selection choices, adding that no player, club official or president would change his mind over who plays.
Ronaldo then did not take part in Portugal’s Wednesday training session at Parken Stadium.
An official FPF training update confirmed that João Félix had returned to the group, while Francisco Conceição and Ronaldo did not train.
The situation left Ronaldo out of Portugal’s squad for the Denmark match and raised questions over whether the federation will pursue formal disciplinary action.