Ronaldo gets 30-day ban for walking out on Portugal camp
Portugal's football federation suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for 30 days and fined him 255 euros for leaving the national team camp. He walked out after a row with coach Jorge Jesus over playing time. AFP reports he has already served most of the ban, while Reuters says that is unclear.
Portugal's football federation has suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for 30 days and fined him 255 euros, about $286, for leaving the national team camp during the Nations League, Reuters, AFP and SAPO reported Monday.
The 41-year-old forward left Portugal's base in Copenhagen before the Oct. 1 match against Denmark, Reuters reported. He accused coach Jorge Jesus of twice breaking his word about his role after Ronaldo was an unused substitute against Norway on Sept. 27, AFP reported. Jesus denied making any agreement with him.
The federation's disciplinary council upheld the charge in full, Reuters reported. AFP reported that Ronaldo got the minimum penalty, as the rules call for suspensions of one to six months for leaving the national team. The council took into account "the remorse shown" in a statement Ronaldo issued Oct. 6, AFP reported. In that statement, he apologized for leaving his teammates and said he would accept any punishment.
The outlets differ on how much of the ban is left. AFP reported that the suspension runs from the day of the Denmark match, so he has served 19 days and will finish by the end of October. SAPO also reported 19 days served, with 11 to go. Reuters reported that the federation's statement did not say whether time already served under a provisional suspension would count.
If the AFP account holds, Ronaldo would be available for Portugal's last two Nations League group games, at home against Denmark on Nov. 14 and at Wales on Nov. 17, SAPO reported.
Portugal won all four of its Nations League matches without him and has already reached the quarterfinals, AFP reported. Ronaldo is Portugal's all-time top scorer and holds its men's record for appearances.
The ruling also says Ronaldo missed training sessions and team dinners, SAPO reported. He asked for three factors to lessen the penalty, and the federation accepted two.
Federation president Pedro Proença has said everyone at the federation wants Ronaldo back once the matter is settled, Reuters reported.
What we know: Ronaldo was suspended for 30 days and fined 255 euros.
What we don't: Whether the federation will confirm that his ban ends in time for the November games.
Where outlets agree Reuters, AFP and SAPO all report a 30-day suspension and a 255-euro fine for Ronaldo after he left Portugal's camp.
Where they differ AFP and SAPO say Ronaldo has already served 19 days of the ban, while Reuters says the federation did not say whether earlier time counts.