Cristiano Ronaldo suspension: Portugal issues weak punishment to CR7 for national team walkout
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Cristiano Ronaldo suspension: Portugal issues weak punishment to CR7 for national team walkout originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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Cristiano Ronaldo's walkout on the Portugal national team last international break created global headlines, after the Selecao captain abruptly left camp ahead of their Nations League match at Denmark.
Following Portugal's win over Norway in which Ronaldo was an unused substitute, the 41-year-old was unhappy with the coaching staff for making him warm up on the sideline and then not bringing him into the match. He was seen darting down the tunnel instead of celebrating with his teammates, beginning speculation that he was frustrated with proceedings.
Ronaldo then left national team camp the day before their next match, while speculation and reporting swirled regarding the reason for his exit. The Al Nassr star later clarified his position in a lengthy statement which included demands of the head coach and an apology for his actions.
In that statement, Ronaldo said he would accept a punishment from the national team, saying as captain he should be held to a higher standard. That punishment was levied by the Portugal federation, and it was a big nothing burger.
Portugal 'suspend' Cristiano Ronaldo in name only
The Portuguese federation issued a suspension to captain Cristiano Ronaldo for leaving national team camp, but in practice the punishment has little actual effect.
Ronaldo was issued a suspension for 30 days, plus a meager fine of €255 ($286). On his Al Nassr salary of €180 million per year over two years, it would take Ronaldo approximately 43 seconds to earn the money to pay his fine.
The suspension will not keep Ronaldo out of action at all, as it is retroactive to the end of the last international break on October 9.
With Portugal not playing another game until November 14, Ronaldo will be available for selection in that game, according to a report by Portuguese outlet A Bola.
Portugal upcoming fixtures
If Ronaldo is indeed available for selection in Portugal's next international window, he will be on hand to meet Denmark and Wales in the country's final two group stage games in 2026/27 UEFA Nations League play.
DateTime (ET)MatchLocationNov. 142:45 p.m.Portugal vs. DenmarkBraga Municipal Stadium (Braga, Portugal)Nov. 172:45 p.m.Wales vs. PortugalCardiff City Stadium (Cardiff, Wales)