Portugal suspends Ronaldo as disciplinary probe begins

Cristiano Ronaldo. Photo: ESPN

Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) as its disciplinary body investigates the circumstances surrounding his departure from the national team’s training camp in September.

The federation’s Disciplinary Council confirmed the decision in a statement reported by Portuguese public broadcaster RTP on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

The statement said the council had decided on October 9 to open disciplinary proceedings against Ronaldo over the possible disciplinary implications of facts reported to it on October 7.

“foi determinada a suspensão preventiva não automática do jogador” (a non-automatic provisional suspension of the player was imposed), the federation’s statement said, as quoted by RTP.

The case was referred to the FPF’s Disciplinary Investigation Commission on October 10 and classified as urgent. The federation also said details of the proceedings would remain confidential until the investigation was completed.

Portuguese sports broadcaster SPORT TV also reported the suspension on October 10, reproducing the disciplinary statement.

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Ronaldo apologises over departure

Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen on September 30, amid a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the team.

In a report published on October 6, beIN SPORTS said the Portugal captain had apologised for leaving the camp and indicated that he would accept any punishment imposed on him.

“I should not have done it. The responsibility is exclusively mine,” Ronaldo said in a statement quoted by beIN SPORTS, apologising to his national team teammates.

The forward also ruled out retiring from international football, according to beIN SPORTS, and expressed his willingness to return to the national team after serving any suspension imposed on him.

RTP reported that Ronaldo had also expressed his willingness to return to Portugal’s squad.

The federation’s latest decision is provisional. The disciplinary proceedings are ongoing, and the statement does not specify the final punishment Ronaldo could face.

Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.