Cristiano Ronaldo could face a suspension of between one and six months after leaving Portugal’s training camp in Denmark ahead of the UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark.
The 41-year-old captain left the camp on Wednesday after a tense period involving head coach Jorge Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
According to Article 160 of the Portuguese Football Federation’s (FPF) Disciplinary Regulations, a player who has been called up to the national team and unjustifiably leaves the camp, misses training or fails to participate in a national-team activity can be suspended for between one and six months.
The regulation also provides for a financial penalty for professional players, with the fine ranging from five to 10 units of account, currently equivalent to approximately €500 to €1,000.
Reports also indicate that the regulations provide for an automatic preventive suspension following an absence or abandonment of the national team camp. This means Ronaldo’s return to the squad would not automatically allow him to play while the disciplinary process is pending.
Ronaldo’s departure came shortly after Jesus confirmed that the forward would not start against Denmark. The Portugal coach had earlier acknowledged that the veteran forward was disappointed after remaining an unused substitute during the team’s 2-1 victory over Norway.
Ronaldo subsequently announced that he had decided to leave the camp following a conversation with Proença, adding that he would explain the reasons for his decision at a later time. The FPF confirmed his departure while the rest of the squad continued preparations for the Nations League fixture.
