Ronaldo issued a statement through several Portuguese media outlets, explaining his reasons for withdrawing from the current Portugal national team training camp and apologizing to Portuguese fans.

In his statement, Ronaldo said that as captain, he should be disciplined by the Football Association. After serving his suspension, he stated he was always ready to play for his country. This indicates that Ronaldo does not plan to voluntarily retire from the Portuguese national team in the near term.

Excerpts from Ronaldo’s Statement
The consequences of my actions must be evaluated and punished by the Football Association, and I understand the penalty should not be reduced. I am not just a player; I am the team captain, which is an aggravating factor. I have apologized, but I know that every action must have consequences. Anyone in football, including me, knows that regardless of individual status, the rules apply to everyone equally.

But when I think of the national team, what I really think about is playing. That’s what was on my mind the day I learned of my father’s death. I was at the national team training camp then, and I decided to stay until the next day’s match was over. I have done things for my country that I would never do for any club.

So, if my physical condition allows me to play and score for my club, then after my suspension ends, I will be ready, as always, to play for the national team and win.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has fined Inter Lagos N5.25 million and deducted from them three points and three goals, following attacks on match officials after Sunday’s week 7 1-1 draw with visiting Katsina United.

This was disclosed in a statement by the NPFL on their X handle on Monday.

“Inter Lagos have been charged for breaching #NPFL27 Framework & Rules in the course of their Matchday 7 fixture vs Katsina United on Sunday, October 4, 2026,” the league body stated.

“The Lagos club failed to provide adequate & effective security during their home game, thereby allowing unauthorized persons to gain access to restricted areas leading to attacks on the match officials who were proceeding from the dressing room to their vehicle.

“Inter Lagos also failed to ensure proper conduct of their officials and supporters, leading to the match officials being held hostage for more than an hour after the match.

“Furthermore, Inter Lagos officials in company of some of their supporters intimidated, harassed & verbally abused the match officials, thereby engaging in acts capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

“Inter Lagos team manager, alongside some of the club’s supporters, assaulted the match officials, resulting in the first assistant referee sustaining an injury to the face & loss of personal items including damage to his mobile telephone.

“The club are fined N2 million for failing to provide adequate & effective security & another N1 million fine for holding the match officials hostage for more than an hour.

“Inter Lagos have also been fined N2 million for assault on the match officials & a further N250,000 fine as compensation to the affected assistant referee for the loss of his personal items, damage to his mobile phone & treatment to the injury he sustained following the incident.

“Three points and three goals shall be deducted from the accrued points & goals of Inter Lagos for assaulting & causing injury on the first assistant referee.

“Inter Lagos have 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal the sanctions.”

Inter Lagos are currently in 19th on five points after seven matches played so far in the campaign.

Lionel Messi has completed his purchase of Spanish second division club CD Eldense.

The deal is subject to regulatory approval and is the second Spanish club that Argentina great Messi has invested in, with the 39-year-old having bought Catalan side Cornella in April.

“Club Deportivo Eldense officially announces the acquisition of the club by Leo Messi, marking the start of a new and exciting chapter in the club’s history, which spans more than 100 years,” CD Eldense stated on their website., external

CD Eldense are 19th in the 22-team Spanish second division with one win and five points from their opening seven games.

Former Barcelona forward Messi, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, plays for American club Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and announced his retirement from international football in August.

An eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, he reached a “preliminary agreement” to become CD Eldense’s majority shareholder in September, with the process now complete.

“The arrival of one of the most important figures in the history of sport as owner of CD Eldense marks the beginning of a long-term project aimed at promoting the club’s sporting, institutional, and social development,” added the Alicante-based club