[Cristiano Ronaldo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristiano_Ronaldo) faced a fresh setback when his sister, Elma Aveiro, told a Lisbon book launch that his chances of returning to the Portugal national team are now slim. The comment came after the [Portuguese Football Federation](https://www.fpf.pt/) imposed a suspension on the 41‑year‑old forward following a public clash with national coach Jorge Jesus during the recent Nations League break.
**What triggered the disciplinary action?**
Ronaldo left the squad camp on October 7, 2026, alleging that Jesus had broken promises made to him. The dispute erupted after the striker was benched for Portugal’s 2‑1 victory over Norway in the UEFA Nations League. The federation responded by placing him under a preventive suspension while a disciplinary investigation proceeds.
**What did Ronaldo’s sister say?**
Speaking at the book launch, which Jesus also attended, Elma said, “It’s more likely a no than a yes. Both my brother and the coach are hurt; the situation is theirs, not mine. I’m speaking for my brother.” She added that the matter was “stalled” and that reconciliation would be “very complicated.”
**How did the family react?**
Ronaldo’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, also voiced frustration, claiming the federation “does not value her son” and that he could have “left through the front door instead of the back door.”
**What does the federation’s statement reveal?**
In a release dated October 9, 2026, the federation announced that disciplinary proceedings were opened to assess the events of October 7. It confirmed a non‑automatic preventive suspension was ordered and that the case was classified as urgent, with the Disciplinary Investigation Committee reviewing it from October 10 onward. The proceedings will remain confidential until the investigation concludes.
**What are the possible consequences?**
If the investigation upholds the suspension, Ronaldo could miss the entire international break scheduled for November 2026, effectively ending his participation in upcoming competitive fixtures for Portugal.