Cristiano Ronaldo’s disciplinary punishment has sparked widespread reactions in Portugal, with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) facing criticism over its handling of the Al-Nassr star. The federation handed the 41-year-old forward a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine, but the decision has raised questions about its willingness to hold its captain accountable. Meanwhile, efforts to convince Ronaldo to return to the national team have yet to resolve the growing tensions.
On Monday, the FPF’s Disciplinary Council sanctioned Ronaldo for an offence linked to his departure from the national team camp on September 30, ahead of Portugal’s Nations League match against Denmark. According to the Portuguese press, the forward has already served part of his suspension and could return for the November fixtures against Denmark and Wales.
The €255 fine has also attracted ridicule, given reports that Ronaldo earns around €200 million annually in Saudi Arabia. To justify its decision, the disciplinary body considered his contributions to football, his sporting achievements and his clean disciplinary record over the previous seasons. However, former Portugal international Luís Vidigal criticised the punishment, describing it as insignificant and arguing that it sends the wrong message to other players.
The controversy could deepen if Ronaldo refuses to represent Portugal again. CNN Portugal presenter Rui Santos claims that the forward no longer wants a national team call-up because he believes the federation mistreated and betrayed him. Santos also alleges that FPF president Pedro Proença contacts Ronaldo almost daily in an attempt to persuade him to continue his international career. However, no official announcement has confirmed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner intends to retire from international football. A return in November remains possible, although the dispute has cast uncertainty over his relationship with the federation and Portugal’s national team.
