Cristiano Ronaldo faces investigation over possible coronavirus protocol breach, says Italy’s sports minister

He could face punishment after allegedly breaking quarantine rules

Cristiano Ronaldo is under investigation for potentially breaching coronavirus protocols, according to Italy’s sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora.

Ronaldo tested positive for Covid-19 while with the Portuguese national team earlier this month and was put into self-isolation.

But he could face punishment after allegedly breaking quarantine rules while during the international break, having travelled back to his home in Italy via a private air ambulance.

"Without authorisation from the health authorities, I think he has violated the protocol,” Spadafora said at the time.

And speaking to broadcaster Rai Tre this week, he said: "Cristiano did not respect the protocol. There is an investigation by the Federal Prosecutor's Office to prove it.

"The virus has taught us that no one is exempt, obviously they are all people who have tried to respect the protocols as much as possible, but the only solution, in the end, is to stay at home."

Spadafora added he had not spoken to Ronaldo. ”No, with all respect. It was an unpleasant episode, but on the occasion of the first leg he violated the protocol and this is a fact, because there is also an investigation opened by the prosecutor of Torino."

In a post on social media at the time, Ronaldo defended himself, saying: “I did not break any protocol… it’s all a lie.”