Portugal suspends Ronaldo after Nations League walkout

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) over his decision to walk out on the national team.

The FPF announced the suspension in a statement on Saturday, saying it had opened disciplinary proceedings against Ronaldo.

The 41-year-old forward apologised to supporters earlier this week while criticising Portugal coach Jorge Jesus and said he would accept any punishment that was imposed.

“Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo,” the federation said.

It also classified the case as “urgent”, noting that Ronaldo is currently suspended pending a decision on the final punishment.

Ronaldo left Portugal’s squad after first being made to warm up as a substitute against Norway on September 27 and not brought on, and then finding out he would not start against Denmark in the match on October 1.

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The former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker is Portugal’s all-time top goalscorer and record appearance-maker.

On Tuesday, he accused Jesus of breaking his word about giving him game time in Nations League matches but said he was not retiring from international duty and would be available to play once any potential punishment was served.

“I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,” the Al-Nassr star said.

Portugal won all four of their Nations League matches and qualified for the quarter-finals with two games to spare.

Ronaldo returned to club action on Friday with Al-Nassr and scored as they won 3-0 against Diriyah in a Saudi Pro League match.