Cristiano Ronaldo (41, Al Nassr), who left the Portugal national team training camp without permission, has been handed a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 EUR (approximately 286 USD). However, the retroactive nature of the suspension means it won’t impact his availability for November’s international fixtures, leading many to criticize the punishment as merely a slap on the wrist.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced on Tuesday that its disciplinary committee had sanctioned Ronaldo for violating association regulations by abandoning the national team camp.
Ronaldo, the captain and talisman of the Portugal national team, was named on the bench for the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Nations League match against Norway on September 28 but didn’t see any action.
Then, on October 2, ahead of the Denmark game, national team coach Jorge Jesus revealed he wouldn’t start Ronaldo. This prompted the star to leave the camp without authorization and return to his club.
Ronaldo took to social media to voice his frustration, claiming that the coach promised he’d play but broke that promise twice.
Despite the controversy, this incident hasn’t led to Ronaldo’s international retirement.
He’s since apologized to fans for his unauthorized departure and expressed his commitment to rejoin the national team in November. The FPF confirmed that Ronaldo has agreed to accept the disciplinary measures.
In the end, the sanctions imposed on Ronaldo appear to be more symbolic than punitive.
The 30-day suspension will be applied retroactively from the date of his unauthorized departure, expiring at the end of this month. This means Ronaldo will be eligible to play in the match against Denmark on November 15.
Given Ronaldo’s substantial income, the fine is essentially a drop in the bucket.
With his 2026 earnings projected at 225 million GBP (approximately 300 million USD), the 255 EUR (about 286 USD) fine amounts to little more than a token penalty.
