Cristiano Ronaldo: After scandal in the national team only small fine of 255 euros

Because his national coach did not say what Cristiano Ronaldo wanted at a press conference, he left early from the training camp of the Portuguese national team. But the scandal has for the superstar and record national player only minor consequences. As the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced, the Disciplinary Board imposed a fine of 255 euros because of the early departure of the training camp.

In addition, Ronaldo was banned for 30 days. This would make him available for Portugal's next international match against Denmark (14 November) and in Wales (17 November) in the Nations League again.

The trigger was Ronaldo’s behavior in the past international break in the Nations League. Ronaldo had left the national team early after he had not been used in the 2-1 first leg in Norway. Originally, an assignment – just as in the third game – was not planned, Ronaldo explained later. Coach Jorge Jesus asked him to play 30 minutes before the game, which did not happen.

After a clarifying conversation with Jesus and sports director Simao Coutinho, the coach should actually clean up the matter at the press conference, Ronaldo said later on Instagram. Among other things, the sentence “It was a mistake for me to send a player of the caliber of a Pelé or Maradona to warm up, but then not to use him” had been agreed. Because coach Jesus did not apologize publicly to Ronaldo, he accused his coach of “breaking the word”.

The case against Ronaldo was opened on October 9. The Disciplinary Board fully upheld the indictment. Ronaldo had therefore intentionally violated Article 160 of the Disciplinary Code. But he has already served his lock for the most part: The 30-day period began with the provisional suspension on the day after the departure of the player on September 30, it said in the communication of the association.

Ronaldo recently ruled out a resignation, but the continuation of his career in Seleção apparently made him dependent on a detachment from Jesus. The coach broke his word, complained Ronaldo. In a letter, he apologized to his fellow players for the departure and also asked the fans for forgiveness.

The fine should be able to cope with the superstar. With a weekly salary of around four million euros for the Saudi Arabian first division team Al-Nassr, Ronaldo earns almost 400 euros per minute.

Years of sporting decline and stubbornness culminate in the rift between Portugal and his greatest son. You can read about Ronaldo’s self-disassembly here.