Ronaldo expected to rejoin Portugal in November, says FPF president Proenca

Federacao Portuguesa de Futebol (FPF) president Pedro Proenca expects Cristiano Ronaldo to rejoin the national team during the November international break.

His comments came only hours after the federation opened disciplinary proceedings against the captain over his walkout from the squad earlier this month.

The FPF disciplinary council announced the case on Saturday, classing it as urgent and handing Ronaldo a provisional suspension while the investigation continues. It concerns his departure from the camp in Copenhagen, roughly 24 hours before Portugal’s match against Denmark.

Speaking afterwards, Proenca described a united camp.

“The Federation, the coach, all the teammates are aligned: we want Cristiano back. I expect him back already during the November international break,” he said.

He added that the player shares that desire. “Cristiano is also willing to return. He’s the best of all time,” said Proenca.

Proenca stressed that the usual disciplinary process would run its course, with the relevant bodies judging the case independently.

He also said the squad’s priority is winning the Nations League, and that the group had stayed calm across four important matches despite the controversy.

The row began when Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway on September 27.

He left the squad, later apologised in a long statement and said he remained available. Proenca had earlier called the episode a misunderstanding.

Portugal have already reached the Nations League quarter-finals, winning their opening four matches to top the group on 12 points.

They host Denmark on November 14, then travel to Wales on November 17 for the final two group fixtures.

Reports have suggested a ban of between one and six months.

Anything longer than a month would rule the 41 year old out of both November games, so his return depends on the disciplinary outcome and on Jorge Jesus’s squad selection.