Ronaldo disciplinary ruling details reductions to Portugal walkout punishment

Cristiano Ronaldo secured reductions to his punishment for leaving Portugal’s training camp in Denmark, despite having publicly called for a sanction without mitigation, according to the Guardian. The newspaper’s account of the Portuguese Football Federation disciplinary ruling details how the forward’s achievements and acceptance of responsibility helped reduce the penalty to a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine.

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The 41-year-old had said on social media after his departure that the federation should decide his punishment and that being captain made his conduct more serious. During the inquiry, however, he submitted three grounds for leniency: his disciplinary record this season and over the previous three seasons, his services to football, and his assistance in establishing what had happened.

Ronaldo supported his case with a record of his club successes, Portugal’s 2016 European Championship victory and two Nations League titles. His five Ballon d’Or awards and honours received from senior state officials were also cited. According to the Guardian, the decision-makers halved the suspension and fine in recognition of his achievements and service to the country, then halved both again because he had accepted responsibility.

The ruling also sets out the sequence surrounding his departure. After Portugal coach Jorge Jesus told a press conference that selection decisions were his alone, Ronaldo asked the federation for a vehicle and travelled towards Copenhagen airport. On the way, he telephoned federation president Pedro Proença and said he did not feel mentally able to stay with the squad.

The disciplinary findings said Ronaldo had not given the federation or national-team officials advance notice or justification for leaving. Between 30 September and 4 October, he missed more than 30 scheduled team activities, including training, travel and meals. The inquiry also criticised his subsequent Instagram promise to explain his departure, saying it increased public speculation and attention around the incident.

His suspension falls during a period without international matches, the Guardian reported. Portugal’s next fixture is against Denmark in Braga on 14 November, but Ronaldo’s involvement remains unresolved. The report said it was unclear both whether he intended to return to international duty and whether Jesus would select him again.