Portugal provisionally suspends Cristiano Ronaldo and opens urgent disciplinary case after his walkout amid dispute with coach Jorge Jesus

The Portuguese Football Federation has provisionally suspended Cristiano Ronaldo and opened an urgent disciplinary case over his departure from the national team camp, with a final decision on any punishment still pending.

Ronaldo left the squad in Copenhagen on September 30, after warming up but remaining unused in Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on September 27. He later said coach Jorge Jesus had broken his word about giving him playing time, and that he learned he would not start against Denmark on October 1.

Earlier this week, Ronaldo apologised to supporters, said he would accept any punishment and remain available for Portugal after serving it. Jesus declined to discuss Ronaldo’s remarks, saying he was focused on his work at the federation and the national team.

Portugal has qualified for the Nations League quarter-finals after winning its first four group matches. Ronaldo returned to action with Saudi club Al-Nassr on Friday, scoring his 980th career goal in a 3-0 victory over Diriyah.

Portuguese media report that federation rules allow a suspension of one to six months for missing a training session, match or other national-team activity. The federation has classified Ronaldo’s case as urgent.