Portugal’s camp fractured after Cristiano Ronaldo missed a training session and then left without authorisation, placing the 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward at risk of disciplinary action from the Portuguese Football Federation.
The move
Ronaldo had been an unused substitute in Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales on 24 September before failing to attend the following training session. He subsequently departed the squad camp, despite attempts by head coach Jorge Jesus and federation president Pedro Proença to persuade him to stay. Both reportedly went as far as the airport in an effort to prevent his exit.
Jesus, 72, had initially insisted in a press conference that there was no issue involving Ronaldo. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner later confirmed his departure from the national-team gathering in an official statement.
Possible punishment
Portuguese federation rules allow for a suspension of between one and six months when a player who has been properly called up fails to attend, or abandons, a national-team training session, match or official activity without justification.
As a professional, Ronaldo could also face a fine of five to 10 accounting units, equivalent to roughly €500 to €1,000 at a value of €102 per unit.
The incident leaves fresh uncertainty over Ronaldo’s international future. Portugal’s all-time leading figure has made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for his country, but the dispute has now brought his position within the squad into sharper focus.
