Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has been suspended for 30 days and fined £215 following his unauthorised departure from the national team’s training camp after a reported disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.
The 41-year-old forward left Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen last month on the eve of a UEFA Nations League fixture against Denmark after he was left on the bench throughout the team’s previous match.
Ronaldo reportedly fell out with Jesus over his role in the team, later accusing the coach of breaking his word on two occasions regarding his position in the squad.
However, Jesus denied reaching any such agreement with the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star.
Following the incident, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner published a lengthy letter explaining the circumstances surrounding his departure.
He also asked the Portuguese Football Federation to punish him, insisting that he did not want to receive preferential treatment over his actions.
Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, is reportedly the world’s highest-paid footballer, earning £488,000 daily.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark in the Nations League on November 14, but the disciplinary council of the Portuguese Football Federation did not specify when the suspension would take effect.
If the ban is applied retrospectively, Ronaldo could remain eligible for Portugal’s upcoming fixtures against Denmark and Wales.
In that case, Jesus would have the final say on whether to include the captain in his squad.
Ronaldo’s most recent appearance for Portugal came in September, when they defeated Wales 1-0 in Lisbon.
The forward has made 234 appearances for his country.
