Ronaldo handed Sh38,000 fine, 30-day suspension after Portugal walkout [Courtesy, Reuters]
Cristiano Ronaldo has been fined just Sh38,000 for walking out of Portugal's national team camp, a penalty that has sparked online amusement over how little the amount appears to be for one of the world's highest-paid footballers.
The Portuguese superstar was handed a €255 (Sh38,000) fine alongside a 30-day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after leaving the team's camp following a dispute over his playing time.
The relatively small financial penalty has caught the attention of social media users, with some joking about whether paying more than the fine could buy them a moment with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
“If I pay double that fine, do I get to take a picture with him?” one user joked.
Another quipped: “You mean Ronaldo is on 30-day leave and $285 as a fee?”
The disciplinary decision, announced on Monday, October 19, follows an incident in which the 41-year-old forward left Portugal's training camp in Copenhagen, Denmark, on September 30, ahead of the team's Nations League fixture against Denmark.
Ronaldo's departure came after growing frustration over his playing time. He had been left on the bench during Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway on September 27, despite claiming that head coach Jorge Jesus had assured him he would feature in the match.
The striker warmed up but was not brought onto the pitch, further fuelling his frustration.
Tensions escalated when Ronaldo learnt he would not start against Denmark, prompting him to leave the camp.
Jesus denied having reached an agreement with the Portugal captain over his playing time, although he later indicated that the door remained open for Ronaldo's return to the squad.
The FPF disciplinary council ruled that Ronaldo had intentionally committed an offence under Article 160(1) of its disciplinary regulations, which addresses abandoning national team activities.
The federation upheld the charge and imposed the 30-day suspension and financial penalty, describing the punishment as adequate and sufficient. It also considered mitigating circumstances, including Ronaldo's disciplinary record and cooperation with the proceedings.
The suspension had already been provisionally imposed, although the federation's final decision did not immediately clarify how the period already served would count towards the full sanction.
Ronaldo had previously accepted responsibility for his actions, apologising to his teammates and supporters for leaving the camp.
In a statement shared on Instagram earlier in October, the forward maintained that he felt the coach had broken his word but acknowledged that walking away was not the appropriate response.
He also said he was prepared to accept the consequences, noting that his position as captain made accountability particularly important.
Despite the fallout, Portugal's football leadership has expressed a desire to see the veteran forward return to the national team once the disciplinary matter is resolved.
Ronaldo remains Portugal's all-time leading international goalscorer, with 146 goals in 234 appearances. He has played a pivotal role in the country's success, including its Euro 2016 triumph and two UEFA Nations League titles.
Portugal went on to win its subsequent matches against Denmark and Norway without him, maintaining a perfect record in its Nations League group.
The sanction does not necessarily signal the end of Ronaldo's international career, with the forward having reiterated his desire to continue representing Portugal. His return will depend on his availability after the suspension and the coach's selection decisions.