Precious Nwonu, Enugu

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended after the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) opened disciplinary proceedings against the forward over his departure from the national team squad.

The federation announced the decision on Saturday, describing the case as urgent. Ronaldo, 41, will remain suspended pending a final decision on the punishment.

The disciplinary action follows Ronaldo’s decision to leave Portugal’s Nations League squad after being left on the bench against Norway on September 27 and subsequently learning that he would not start against Denmark on October 1.

Earlier this week, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker apologised to supporters over his actions but criticised national team coach Jorge Jesus for allegedly failing to honour an agreement over his playing time.

Ronaldo maintained that he had no intention of retiring from international football and said he would accept any sanction imposed by the federation.

“I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,” he said, adding that his actions deserved to be punished.

The forward accused Jesus of going back on his word about bringing him on during Portugal’s match against Norway. He also alleged that the coach failed to make agreed points during a press conference ahead of the Denmark fixture.

According to Ronaldo, one of the points concerned his status in the team, with the player comparing the decision to make a footballer of his stature warm up without playing to asking legendary figures Pele or Diego Maradona to do the same.

Jesus declined to engage in a public exchange with Ronaldo, saying he had read the player’s statement and remained focused on his responsibilities with the national team.

The coach had previously indicated that Ronaldo would remain eligible for selection if he continued playing for his club and wanted to represent Portugal.

Portuguese media reports indicate that federation rules provide for suspensions ranging from one to six months for players who miss training sessions, matches or other national team activities.

Ronaldo remains the leading goalscorer and most-capped player in men’s international football.

Portugal have won all four of their Nations League matches and secured qualification for the quarter-finals with two games remaining in the group stage.

The team are scheduled to host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales on November 17 in their final Group A4 fixtures.

Ronaldo returned to club action on Friday for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, scoring in their 3-0 victory over Diriyah in a Saudi Pro League match. The goal took his career tally to 980, according to the report.