Portugal Suspends Cristiano Ronaldo Over Training Camp Walkout

Cristiano Ronaldo has been placed under preventive suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) as disciplinary proceedings commence against the national team captain over his departure from the team’s training camp.

The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward is being investigated for allegedly breaching the federation’s disciplinary regulations after leaving the camp in protest over what he described as unfulfilled promises.

Ronaldo was an unused substitute when Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 in a UEFA Nations League match on September 27, 2026. He reportedly left the camp three days later following his dissatisfaction with the situation.

Portugal subsequently won two more matches in his absence, while Ronaldo issued a lengthy apology to the nation, expressing his readiness to accept any punishment imposed by the federation.

In a statement issued on October 9, the FPF confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against the player. It also announced a non-automatic preventive suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.

The federation said the case had been classified as urgent and forwarded to its Disciplinary Instruction Committee on October 10, with proceedings to remain confidential until the investigation is concluded.

Ronaldo, who has captained Portugal to three major international trophies, now faces another disciplinary controversy in his international career.

His latest dispute follows a previous fallout during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he was benched by then-head coach Fernando Santos after reacting angrily to being substituted during a group-stage match against South Korea.