BARCELONA — Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended after the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced on Saturday that it had opened disciplinary proceedings against the 41-year-old over his decision to walk out on the national team.
Ronaldo apologized to supporters earlier this week while criticizing Portugal coach Jorge Jesus and said he would accept any punishment that was imposed.
"Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo," said the FPF in a statement, classifying the case as "urgent" and confirming Ronaldo is currently suspended pending a decision on the final punishment.
Ronaldo left Portugal's Nations League squad after first being made to warm up as a substitute against Norway on Sept. 27 and not brought on, and then finding out he would not start against Denmark in the match on Oct. 1.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker is the all-time top goalscorer and record appearance-maker in men's international football.
According to Portuguese media, under the federation's regulations, a player who misses a training session, a match, or a national team activity faces a suspension ranging from one to six months.
On Tuesday, Ronaldo accused Portugal coach Jesus of breaking his word about giving him game time in Nations League matches but said he was not retiring from international duty and would be available to play once any potential punishment was served.
"I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team," Ronaldo said, while accepting his actions must be "punished" by the federation. AFP
