Portugal provisionally suspends Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal has provisionally suspended Cristiano Ronaldo after the federation opened disciplinary proceedings. The events reported on 7 October are being examined to determine whether they warrant disciplinary action. The federation’s non-professional section formally initiated the proceedings on 9 October and designated the case urgent.

The measure is not a final punishment. The federation said the proceedings against Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro were intended to establish whether the events reported on 7 October had disciplinary relevance. It also said a further preventive suspension, which is not automatic, had been imposed after the suspension that applied until the case was opened. “The case was declared urgent,” it added.

The decision comes after a period of tension surrounding Portugal’s captain, one of the country’s most recognisable players. Previously, Ronaldo left the national-team camp before the match against Denmark and later said publicly that head coach Jorge Jesus had broken the trust between them. His departure and comments have now moved into a formal disciplinary process.

His availability for Portugal is also uncertain. Portugal are due to face Denmark in the Nations League on 14 November. Whether Ronaldo can play will depend on the progress of the proceedings, which are intended to establish the facts and determine whether further action is warranted.