October 20
Will "Ronaldo" return to international play?
The Portuguese Football Federation has announced a sanction against star player Cristiano Ronaldo, following his departure from the Portuguese national team's training camp during the international break.
The Federation has handed Ronaldo a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros for leaving the national team's camp in Denmark during the most recent international break.
According to the decision, the sanction will not prevent Ronaldo from participating in the Portuguese national team’s upcoming matches—against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17—as the Portuguese captain had already departed the national team’s training camp on September 30.
Under the Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary regulations, Ronaldo could have faced a suspension ranging from one to six months, in addition to a fine; however, he ultimately received the minimum penalty: a 30-day suspension.
Terms of the Sanction
The full text of the decision reads as follows: "Based on the foregoing and the stated grounds, the Disciplinary Board (Amateur Division) of the Portuguese Football Federation has determined that the charge is fully substantiated. Consequently, the accused, Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, is found guilty of committing a disciplinary offense—as defined and punishable under Article 160, Paragraph 1, of the Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary regulations—in a single, intentional instance."
It further states: "Accordingly, a 30-day suspension is imposed, along with a fine of 2.5 'accounting units,' equivalent to 255 euros (two hundred and fifty-five euros)."
