The disciplinary proceedings, initiated on October 9, 2026, followed a disagreement over Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s Nations League campaign, with the 41-year-old striker accusing Jesus of breaking his word while acknowledging that his decision to leave camp warranted punishment.
According to a letter revealed this week, Ronaldo said Jesus had informed him that he would come on as a substitute in a Nations League match against Norway.
Ronaldo warmed up on the sidelines but was not brought onto the pitch, prompting tensions between the Portugal captain and the coach.
Before the subsequent match against Denmark, Ronaldo informed the federation that he was leaving the training camp and departed.
“Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, following a decision by the Non-Professional Section on October 9, 2026,” the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement.
In an explanation of his decision, Ronaldo accepted responsibility for leaving the squad but argued that the disagreement stemmed from a breakdown in trust with Jesus.
“I owe my national team teammates an apology for leaving the training camp,” Ronaldo said.
“Despite the absolute breach of trust in the coach’s word, as anyone who witnessed our conversations can testify, I should not have done it.
“The responsibility is exclusively mine.”
Ronaldo also said the federation should assess his conduct without granting him special treatment, arguing that his position as captain made the incident more serious.
“The consequence of my actions should be assessed and punished by the federation,” Ronaldo said.
“The punishment should not have any mitigating circumstances.
“I am not just any player; I am the captain of the team, and that constitutes an aggravating factor.”
According to reports, federation regulations provide for a suspension of between one and six months for players who abandon national team duties.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has returned to his Saudi Arabian club, Al Nassr, where he scored in a 3-0 victory over Diriyah on Friday.
Despite the dispute, the Portugal captain said he remained committed to representing his country, having made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for the national team.
After participating in his sixth World Cup for Portugal this year, Ronaldo said he still wanted to play for the national side in the future.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark and Wales in Nations League matches next month.