Cristiano Ronaldo faces six-month suspension in Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo could miss up to six months of international football after leaving Portugal’s training camp without an authorised explanation. The forward departed during Wednesday’s training session, after a tense period with coach Jorge Jesus, and the Portuguese federation confirmed that he had left the team’s base in Copenhagen. Ronaldo has not said whether he will continue with the national side.

Portugal’s disciplinary rules provide for a suspension of between one and six months when a duly selected player abandons or misses a national-team training session, match or related activity without justification. Professional players can also receive a fine of between five and 10 account units, estimated at about €500 to €1,000. The same regulation provides for an automatic preventive suspension when such an absence occurs.

The dispute follows Ronaldo’s frustration at remaining on the bench during Sunday’s 2-1 win over Norway, despite being told he would play part of the match. He had started Portugal’s 1-0 victory over Wales. Ronaldo later spoke with Jesus in an effort to ease the tension, but left the next training session after a brief exchange with the coach. Portugal will prepare for Thursday’s meeting with Denmark and Sunday’s return fixture against Norway with the other 24 selected players.