Cristiano Ronaldo of Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr gestures in frustration after his goal was disallowed during a match against Al-Diriyah at Al-Awwal Park on the 9th (local time). / Reuters, Yonhap

Global soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo (41, Al Nassr) faces a dishonorable disciplinary sanction in the twilight of his Portugal national team career.

According to reports from BBC and other outlets on the 11th, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced that it has handed Ronaldo a "provisional suspension". Under FPF regulations, players who fail to fulfill national team duties or leave camp without authorization face a fine along with a one to six-month suspension.

Ronaldo previously departed the national team camp without permission during the UEFA Nations League schedule. He reportedly walked out after sitting out against Norway late last month and subsequently learning he would not start in the following fixture against Denmark.

Ronaldo later issued an apology for his actions, stating, "The responsibility for leaving the national team rests entirely on me. My conduct must be evaluated and sanctioned by the Portuguese Football Federation. As team captain, I deserve aggravated punishment." However, he did not conceal his frustration with national team manager Jorge Jesus, adding, "When the time comes, I will tell the entire Portuguese public the truth about why I had to leave the squad."

The exact duration of Ronaldo's suspension has not yet been disclosed. ESPN reported that the final extent of the disciplinary action has not been announced, with details surrounding the disciplinary proceedings remaining confidential until the investigation concludes. FPF President Pedro Proença noted, "We strongly desire captain Ronaldo to be with us again," while adding, "The disciplinary procedures will proceed as standard."

With 146 goals in 234 international appearances, continuing to break records with every goal scored, Ronaldo has expressed a desire to retire from international duty after reaching 1,000 career goals across club and country. Having returned to his club last week, he netted his 980th career goal, leaving him just 20 shy of 1,000. For now, achieving the 1,000-goal milestone at the club level before staging a farewell match with the national team appears to be a viable path toward restoring his honor.

                                                                                                             Lee Jang-won