The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) imposed a provisional suspension on Cristiano Ronaldo after the striker walked out on the national team amid a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus during the recent international break.
The FPF's disciplinary council is investigating the matter, with the case being classified as "urgent." A final sanction is yet to be determined.
"Without prejudice to the automatic provisional suspension to which he was subject until the date of the initiation of proceedings, a non-automatic preventive suspension of the player was ordered and an urgent status was assigned to the proceedings," the FPF statement said, as translated by Jessica Hopkins and Mario Cortegana of The Athletic.
Ronaldo, 41, accused Jesus of "broken promises" over playing time after leaving the national team camp. He was left on the bench in a Sept. 27 win over Norway despite warming up amongst the substitutes, triggering his anger and early departure from the squad.
He apologized to his teammates and fans in a 1,740-word statement, and acknowledged that he deserved a punishment from the FPF for his actions.
"If I am physically fit, playing for my club, scoring goals, I hope, that after serving whatever suspension is imposed on me, I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team," Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo is Portugal's all-time leader in appearances (234) and goals (146).
He's approaching 1,000 career goals for club and country after notching No. 980 upon his return to Al-Nassr following the eventful international break.
