FPF opens "Urgent" case: Inside the disciplinary threat hanging over Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a suspension of up to three months after abruptly leaving the national team camp following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus.

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Dispute with Jorge Jesus over playing time

The conflict originated during Portugal's 2-1 defeat to Norway in Oslo on 27 September. According to the player's account, Jesus instructed him to warm up for half an hour but ultimately left him on the bench.

Frustrated by his exclusion from the starting lineup and the match entirely, the 41 year old forward abruptly departed the national team camp on September 30.

Disciplinary action initiated

According to a report by the Spanish news agency EFE, the Portuguese Football Federation FPF Disciplinary Committee opened an "urgent" case against Ronaldo on 10 October.

Under Article 160 of the federation's disciplinary regulations, abandoning the national team camp triggers an automatic preventative suspension.

The formal punishment for a professional player ranges from a one- to six-month ban, alongside a minimum fine of €510.

Ronaldo issues public apology

In an effort to address the situation, Ronaldo issued a detailed statement on 6 October, acknowledging his error and expressing his readiness to accept the disciplinary consequences.

"I am not an ordinary player, but the captain and this circumstance increases the gravity of what happened... I have already apologized, but I know such actions must have consequences" Ronaldo wrote.

What happens next?

Because Ronaldo publicly admitted his mistake, his maximum potential suspension could be reduced from six months to three.

With the ongoing preventative suspension period automatically deducted from his final penalty, the veteran forward could be cleared to return to competitive action as early as November if he receives the minimum one month ban.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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