Ronaldo banned for 30 days and fined for leaving Portugal camp after row with coach Jorge Jesus

Portugal football star Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a setback. The disciplinary committee of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has banned the 41-year-old forward for 30 days. He has also been fined 255 euros, which the source puts at about Rs 27,166. The action has led fans to ask whether Ronaldo's international career is now over.

The matter began over Ronaldo's role in the team. Differences had arisen between Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus and Ronaldo. Ronaldo was kept on the bench for the whole of the Nations League match against Norway. Ronaldo reportedly alleged that Jesus had gone back on his word twice.

Just before the match against Denmark, Ronaldo left the Portugal national team camp in Copenhagen without telling anyone. An inquiry into the matter began on October 9. After it, the FPF found Ronaldo guilty of wilfully breaking the rules under Article 160(1) of the disciplinary code. The federation announced the ban on Monday.

After leaving the camp, Ronaldo has publicly apologised for his conduct. He admitted that not responding to fans' good wishes after the Norway matches and walking out on his teammates were mistakes. Ronaldo said clearly that he is fully ready to play for Portugal and wants to return to the team once the ban is served.

It is not clear which upcoming matches Ronaldo will miss because of the ban. Even so, FPF president Pedro Proenca has indicated that the doors of the national team are open to Ronaldo once the matter is settled. After a 2-1 win, Jesus too hinted at Ronaldo's return. It would therefore be premature to say Ronaldo's career is over, since he can return to the field once the ban ends.