The Buzz | Ronaldo left off Portugal squad for upcoming matches, denies rape allegations

Cristiano Ronaldo was left off Portugal’s national team squad for a pair of upcoming matches, the decision coming yesterday as the soccer great fights rape allegations in the United States.

Ronaldo has been accused of rape by Kathryn Mayorga, who says the player assaulted her in Las Vegas in 2009. He has denied the accusation.

Ronaldo was left off the squad for Portugal’s second game in the UEFA Nations League at Poland on Oct. 11 and a friendly match in Glasgow against Scotland three days later.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos said Ronaldo also will not be called up for the next round of international games in November.

Santos said the decision was taken after a three- way conversation between him, Ronaldo and the head of the Portuguese soccer federation.

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