LISBON, Portugal — The Portuguese Football Federation has suspended Cristiano Ronaldo and initiated disciplinary proceedings after the forward left the national team camp during the international window.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the federation said the case had been referred to its disciplinary investigation committee. The findings will remain confidential until the process is concluded.
The 41-year-old reportedly left the squad following a dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus over his playing time in the Nations League.
Portugal won the matches in which Ronaldo was either an unused substitute or absent, while his replacement Goncalo Ramos, scored three goals during the period.
Ronaldo featured in Portugal's opening Nations League match, a 1-0 victory over Wales, before being replaced by Ramos.
He subsequently watched the second match from the substitutes' bench as Portugal defeated Norway 2-1. He then left the squad, according to the report.
Portugal went on to record victories over Denmark and Norway, securing a place in the quarterfinals.
The results added to the attention surrounding the team's performance without its veteran captain and the growing role of Ramos in the attacking line-up.
After the international break, Ronaldo published a lengthy statement on Instagram addressing his situation with the national team.
He called on Jesus to acknowledge what he considered a mistake after being asked to warm up on the sidelines in Oslo but not being brought onto the pitch.
Jesus did not acknowledge any mistake, according to the report.
Ronaldo said he expected disciplinary action under federation rules but also promised supporters that they would have "one or more farewell matches."
Suspension Could Last Up to Six Months
The Portuguese Football Federation's disciplinary regulations provide for a suspension of between one and six months, in addition to a fine, for a player who abandons or fails to attend a national-team training session, match or activity without justification.
Ronaldo informed the federation that he was leaving the camp. However, it remained unclear whether his departure would be accepted as justified under the rules.
The length of any additional punishment will depend on the outcome of the disciplinary process.
In his statement, Ronaldo acknowledged that his actions could have consequences.
"I have already apologised, but I know that actions must have consequences," he wrote.
"Anyone in football as I am knows that, regardless of each person's status, the rules are the same for everyone."
