Cristiano Ronaldo faces 3-month suspension

Cristiano Ronaldo stands before an unprecedented disciplinary test in his international career, as he is threatened with a suspension ranging from one month to three months due to leaving the Portugal camp following a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus, in an incident that has sparked widespread controversy within Portugal.

According to a report by the newspaper "Mundo Deportivo", Portugal captain is currently under precautionary suspension, pending a decision from the disciplinary investigation committee of the Portuguese Football Federation regarding the case opened against him on October 10. The federation emphasized that the measures taken are "urgent".

Article 160 of the disciplinary regulations grants the federation the authority to suspend professional players for one to six months, with a financial penalty of no less than 510 euros. The regulations also impose an automatic precautionary suspension in cases of leaving the camp without permission, which actually occurred on September 30.

Cristiano Ronaldo's position may ultimately work in his favor; he admitted his mistake and expressed his acceptance of the possibility of punishment in a lengthy statement issued on October 6. The captain of Al Nassr wrote: "I am not an ordinary player; I am the team captain, and this is considered an aggravating circumstance. I have already apologized, but I understand that actions must have consequences."

A key point in favor of the player is that the duration of the precautionary suspension is counted towards the final penalty, meaning he could return to participate in matches in November if he receives the minimum penalty.

The roots of the crisis date back to September 30, when Ronaldo, aged 41, left the camp unexpectedly after being left out of the squad for the match against Norway in Oslo on September 27, which the Portugal national team lost 1-2. According to the player's account, the disagreement flared up after the coach asked him to warm up for half an hour, before ultimately deciding not to play him.

The national team doors remain open.

Despite the severity of the crisis, the door remains open for the captain's return. Jesus confirmed in statements to RTP on October 4 that the player's return remains possible. Pedro Proença, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, explained that the desire for his return is mutual among all parties, stating on October 10: "There is a desire expressed by everyone, including the federation, its president, the coach, the captain, and the players. We all want, without exception, to be together again in November."

In the midst of the storm, Al-Ittihad continues to praise the stars of their captain, as the official accounts of the national team posted a picture of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal shirt, celebrating his goal with Al-Nassr in the 3-1 victory over Neftchi in the AFC Champions League Elite.