In Copenhagen, on the eve of Portugal’s 2026/27 Nations League meeting with Denmark, Cristiano Ronaldo has left the national-team camp and now faces the prospect of a suspension that could extend to six months under Portuguese Football Federation disciplinary rules.
The news from the club
Ronaldo announced his departure after the national coach’s press conference and said his decision followed a conversation with Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation.
“After the national coach’s press conference, and following a discussion with the federation president, I decided to leave the national-team camp,” Ronaldo said. “In due course I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons behind my departure from a national side to which I have always been committed.”
The forward also wished Portugal and every member of the squad well, while making clear that he intends to explain his version of events later.
The departure has come amid reports of tension involving Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. Jesus has rejected the suggestion of a personal dispute, insisting that the same rules apply to every player.
Article 160, paragraph one, of the FPF disciplinary regulations leaves Ronaldo exposed to a possible ban of up to six months for leaving a call-up without authorisation. Paragraph two of the same article states that an absence or departure brings an automatic preventive suspension under the federation’s regulations.
A Nations League eve in Denmark
Portugal were preparing in the Danish capital for their Nations League fixture against Denmark when Ronaldo departed on Wednesday. His absence now casts uncertainty over his immediate availability for the national team, while the disciplinary process is governed by the FPF’s provisions on players leaving an international camp.
