📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ludovic Péron
Sports
Ronaldo suspended by Saudi FA after Portugal team walkout in Riyadh
✍️ Goal.com
🗓 12 Oct 2026, 03:47 AM
👁 21
The Saudi Football Federation has handed Al‑Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo a suspension following the Portuguese national team's abrupt exit from a friendly in Riyadh.
A friendly match scheduled in Riyadh between Saudi Arabia and Portugal ended in chaos when the Portuguese side abruptly left the field, prompting immediate attention from football authorities. The incident, described as a "sensational walkout" by media outlets, disrupted the planned 90‑minute game and left spectators and officials bewildered.
In response, the Saudi Football Federation (FPF) announced that Cristiano Ronaldo, who represents Al‑Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has been suspended. The federation said the disciplinary action is a direct consequence of the events surrounding the walkout, and the suspension will remain in effect pending a full investigation.
The sanction means Ronaldo will be unavailable for Al‑Nassr's upcoming fixtures until the FPF concludes its review. The club has yet to release an official comment on the suspension, but the development adds another layer of uncertainty to the team's campaign as they chase domestic titles.
Ronaldo, who joined Al‑Nassr earlier this year, has been a high‑profile figure in Saudi football, drawing global attention to the league. The current episode underscores the challenges of managing high‑stakes international friendlies in the region.
In response, the Saudi Football Federation (FPF) announced that Cristiano Ronaldo, who represents Al‑Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has been suspended. The federation said the disciplinary action is a direct consequence of the events surrounding the walkout, and the suspension will remain in effect pending a full investigation.
The sanction means Ronaldo will be unavailable for Al‑Nassr's upcoming fixtures until the FPF concludes its review. The club has yet to release an official comment on the suspension, but the development adds another layer of uncertainty to the team's campaign as they chase domestic titles.
Ronaldo, who joined Al‑Nassr earlier this year, has been a high‑profile figure in Saudi football, drawing global attention to the league. The current episode underscores the challenges of managing high‑stakes international friendlies in the region.