Football fans on X have called for the current international break to be extended after a run of headlines has kept club football out of the spotlight. Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s camp amid tensions with head coach Jorge Jesus and reports suggest he may announce his international retirement.
Manchester City have been found guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules, and Real Madrid are locked in a public dispute with La Liga president Javier Tebas.
"This international break is going too quickly," one user wrote. Another posted: "Extend the international break. Been incredible and haven't missed club football one bit."
Others called it "the greatest international break ever" and "one of the best international breaks we've EVER HAD."
What Happened With Ronaldo and Portugal
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that Ronaldo left the national team camp in Copenhagen and will miss the rest of the international window.
Its statement gave no reason for his departure and made no mention of retirement from international football. The departure followed a disagreement over playing time.
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus left Ronaldo on the bench for a 2-1 win over Norway. The 41-year-old then missed training before the Nations League match against Denmark despite Jesus telling reporters there was "no issue" between them.
Jesus said he alone makes the decisions and confirmed Ronaldo would again start on the bench. Hours later, his captain announced on Instagram that he had decided to leave after the coach's press conference and a conversation with the federation's president.
Ronaldo said he would tell the Portuguese public "the truth" about his reasons "in due time". He has yet to provide that explanation.
The exit comes after Ronaldo returned to the squad following Portugal's last-16 defeat to Spain at the World Cup. It has been previously reported that he had identified winning a third Nations League title and reaching 1,000 career goals as his remaining targets with Portugal.
Where Manchester City's 115-Charge Case Stands
The Premier League confirmed that an independent commission found City guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of its financial rules across nine seasons, from 2009-10 to 2017-18.
The commission also upheld the majority of the charges accusing the club of failing to co-operate with the investigation. Yahoo Sports reported that the commission found that City had inflated revenue and cut costs by more than £900 million during those nine seasons.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters called the decision "the most significant in Premier League history."
City said they were "disappointed and surprised" and maintain they are innocent. They have until 2 October to lodge an appeal, which would be heard by a new three-person commission, and have said they intend to do so. No sanction has been set.
The commission will decide the punishment at a separate hearing. Pep Guardiola, who left City in the summer and was replaced by Enzo Maresca, issued a statement saying he was "behind my club". City currently lead the Premier League.
Other Stories Driving the Reaction
The row between La Liga and Real Madrid followed the Madrid derby. The club issued a statement accusing La Liga president Javier Tebas of repeatedly targeting the club and calling for his replacement with someone able to act neutrally.
Tebas replied on X and insisted he is "not the owner of the competition", adding that neither are Real Madrid. The Spaniard later said his relationship with Florentino Pérez was beyond repair, while Pérez remains the club's president.
The Ballon d'Or debate also flared when Lamine Yamal told former player Jorge Valdano that the award should go to the best player rather than the top scorer or biggest winner. He did not name Harry Kane, who scored 73 goals for Bayern Munich and England last season.
Kane responded that the outcome "is not up to me". Voting has now closed.
Jürgen Klopp lost 1-0 to Greece in his first home match as Germany coach after drawing 1-1 with the Netherlands in his first game. German outlet Sport1 described his one point from two games as the worst start by a Germany coach.
Lionel Messi will play his farewell match for Argentina against Benin in Buenos Aires on 6 October. Roma confirmed that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to attend, citing sporting and logistical reasons.
Away from the pitch, Manchester United are selling preserved turf cubes from Old Trafford for £125 each after relaying the pitch in June. Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe is also facing criticism from a supporters' group over recent comments on immigration.
