Cristiano Ronaldo provisionally suspended by Portugal federation after Nations League walkout

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) on Saturday provisionally suspended Cristiano Ronaldo and opened disciplinary proceedings against him for leaving the national team, ARY News reported. The federation called the case "urgent". The suspension stands until it decides the final punishment, and no length has been announced.

Ronaldo, 41, is Portugal's all-time top scorer and most-capped player.

Why Ronaldo walked out of the Portugal squad

Two episodes in the Nations League led to the walkout:

• 27 September, against Norway: he was sent to warm up as a substitute but never came on.
• 1 October, against Denmark: he was told he would not start.

He then left the squad. Earlier this week he apologised to supporters but accused coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word about giving him playing time in Nations League matches.

Is Ronaldo retiring from international football?

No. Ronaldo said he is not retiring and will be available again once his punishment is served. He accepted that his actions had to be punished.

Portugal do not need him to qualify

Portugal have won all four of their Nations League matches and are already through to the quarter-finals with two games to spare, so the suspension does not change their standing.

Back in form for Al-Nassr

The news came a day after Ronaldo returned to club football and scored in Al-Nassr's 3-0 Saudi Pro League win over Diriyah on Friday. Saudi Pro League matches are usually played in the evening in Saudi Arabia, two hours behind Pakistan, so most kick off late at night PKT.

What happens next

The federation's disciplinary council will decide the final sanction. We will update this story when the FPF announces its decision.

For more of the day's sport, see our coverage of Arsenal's 2-1 win over Leeds and Cole Palmer's new Chelsea contract.