The Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary council imposed the punishment after finding that the 41-year-old forward had deliberately breached its rules by leaving the squad without permission during the September international window.
Ronaldo departed Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen on 30 September, shortly before the Nations League fixture against Denmark, following a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the team.
The dispute followed Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway, in which Ronaldo remained an unused substitute after warming up. He subsequently accused Jesus of breaking his word over the playing time he had been promised, describing the situation as a serious breach of trust.
The disciplinary council upheld the charge under Article 160(1) of the federation’s regulations, imposing a 30-day suspension and a fine of €255. The financial penalty is the minimum amount reported under the relevant disciplinary provisions.
Ronaldo had already been provisionally suspended while the case was being considered. Reports on the final ruling indicate that 19 days of the sanction had been served, meaning the punishment was expected to be completed before Portugal’s next international fixtures in November.
The ruling initially prompted uncertainty over whether the suspension would affect the Nations League matches against Denmark on 14 November and Wales on 17 November. However, reporting by the BBC and AFP indicates that Ronaldo should have served the ban by then, leaving him eligible for selection if Jesus chooses to recall him.
The forward apologised earlier in October for his conduct after the Norway match and for leaving his teammates. He also made clear that he would accept whatever punishment the federation decided to impose.
Ronaldo’s departure had raised questions over whether his relationship with the new coach could be repaired. Jesus denied having made an agreement guaranteeing Ronaldo a particular role, but left the door open to the player returning after the dispute had been resolved.
Portugal’s federation president, Pedro Proença, has also expressed a desire to see Ronaldo back with the national team once the matter is settled. The disciplinary decision does not itself prevent a future call-up once the suspension has been served.
The incident has unfolded during a significant period for Portugal, who are adjusting to life under Jesus following their World Cup exit. The team won all four of their subsequent Nations League matches without Ronaldo and secured qualification for the quarter-finals with games to spare.
Ronaldo, who plays his club football for Al-Nassr, remains Portugal’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, with 234 caps and 146 goals. He has previously said he intends to continue playing for his country and has promised supporters that there will eventually be one or more farewell matches.
“I can promise all my fans, and especially all Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches. There will be time for that,” he said.
The suspension closes the disciplinary case for now, but the next step rests with Jesus and the federation. Ronaldo may be available again in November, although his return to the squad is not guaranteed.