The Portuguese Football Federation suspended captain Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday and opened disciplinary proceedings over his decision to leave the national team’s camp this week.
Ronaldo left after a disagreement with manager Jorge Jesus over playing time in Portugal’s Nations League win over Norway last weekend. The federation said the proceedings followed a decision by its Non-Professional Section on 9 October.
The length of the suspension has not been set. Under the federation’s regulations, a player who abandons a national team activity without justification faces a ban of one to six months.
Ronaldo, 41, has apologised to his teammates and fans. On social media he said he hoped to be available once any suspension had been served.
He scored for his club Al-Nassr in a 3-0 win over Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, his 980th goal for club and country.
Portugal’s next Nations League match is against Denmark in mid-November.
