Cristiano Ronaldo Faces Six-Month Portugal Ban. One Rule Could Save Him

While sanctions appear inevitable, several factors could work in Cristiano Ronaldo's favour.© AFP

Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo faces a ban of up to six months after leaving the national team camp last month following a fallout with manager Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo, who played just one of Portugal's Nations League matches during the three-week international break, left the squad after being named on the bench for their 4-2 win over Denmark in Copenhagen. In a statement released on Tuesday, Ronaldo opened up about his decision, apologised to the fans and his teammates, and called for a fine to be imposed on him.

As per Article 160 of the Portuguese Football Federation's (FPF) disciplinary regulations, a player who "is regularly called up, is absent, or fails to attend without justification a training session, a match, or an activity of the national teams or related to the sporting representation of the Portuguese Football Federation or Portugal, shall be punished with a suspension of between one month and six months, in addition to a fine".

However, according to Goncalo Almeida, a legal expert for Portuguese outlet A Bola, Ronaldo's suspension effectively began the moment he left the national team camp last month. Almeida stated that while sanctions appear inevitable, several factors could work in Ronaldo's favour.

Almeida, who is also a FIFA judge, revealed that Ronaldo's suspension was activated the moment he left the national team camp.

"Then there are proceedings that the Federation's Disciplinary Council will begin, and Cristiano will be notified, in accordance with the principle of due process, to give his opinion. After that, a decision will be taken, which I believe will come very swiftly," Almeida said.

Almeida also highlighted Article 244 of the FPF regulations, suggesting that Ronaldo's explanation on social media could help him avoid a lengthy ban.

The rule states that "the accused may, at any time, admit the facts subject to the proceedings", and that "if the admission is complete and without reservations, and does not raise doubts about its credibility, no further evidentiary measures are carried out, and the minimum and maximum of the applicable sanctions are reduced by half".

Almeida further explained that since Ronaldo acknowledged his actions "without any reservations", the FPF's disciplinary board could reduce his penalty by half.

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