Sport
Kun Khalifa FC Withdraw from NPFL Over Controversial Sanction
Kun Khalifa FC withdraw from NPFL citing unfair sanction, calling for league reforms and fair treatment of member clubs
Kun Khalifa FC have officially withdrawn from the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League, citing what the club described as an unfair sanction imposed by league authorities.
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The announcement was made in a statement by the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Amaefula, from Imo State on 3 February 2026.
The decision followed disciplinary measures taken by the NPFL after Kun Khalifa failed to travel to Maiduguri for their matchday 24 fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors.
The league docked the club three points, three goals, and imposed a ₦10 million fine, rejecting the club’s explanation that a breakdown of team vehicles prevented the journey.
In the statement, Amaefula said Kun Khalifa formally communicated its challenges to the NPFL but alleged that the league “ignored the realities and challenges faced by its member clubs and chose punishment over fairness and justice.”
The club also criticised the league for unilaterally rescheduling the fixture without consultation.
“The decision to forfeit three points and three goals, coupled with a fine of ₦10 million, is not only disproportionate but demonstrates bias against our club,” Amaefula said.
He called for greater transparency, accountability, and reforms in NPFL operations.
Kun Khalifa FC is one of four privately owned clubs in the current NPFL season, alongside Remo Stars, Ikorodu City, and Barau FC.
The withdrawal leaves questions over league management and fairness for privately owned teams, emphasising broader concerns about governance in Nigerian club football.
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The club urged fellow NPFL teams to advocate for equitable treatment and stated that it would no longer participate in a system that it considered unjust.
Cristiano Ronaldo announces his retirement from Portugal international duty after 23 years, ending a career that included 146 goals in 234 games
On 5 November 2026, Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international duty, bringing an end to a 23-year career with the national team just as a rift with manager Jorge Jesus appeared to have been patched up.
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The 41-year-old posted a video on social media in which he declared that the time had come to hang up the number 7 jersey.
“Portugal will always be in me,” he said. “The time has come to hang up the number 7 of our national team. I never felt it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it.”
Ronaldo added that the decision was not easy and had been taken with both the head and the heart.
He leaves as Portugal’s most capped player and the highest goalscorer in men’s international football history, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
His career highlights include the Euro 2016 title and two UEFA Nations League triumphs.
The announcement comes a day before Jorge Jesus was due to name his squad for the November Nations League fixtures, following reports that Ronaldo had been included in the preliminary selection after a September fallout over playing time.
In October, Ronaldo had accused Jesus of breaking his word after being left as an unused substitute against Norway, leading him to leave the national team camp.
He later apologised and stated he remained available after any punishment.
The pair were reported to have cleared the air, yet Ronaldo has now chosen to step away entirely.
The decision closes one of the most remarkable international careers the sport has seen and leaves Portugal without its long-serving captain for the remainder of the Nations League campaign.
Also read: Mourinho Balanced on Vinicius With Soft Approach
Football has been stunned by the sudden end to Ronaldo’s Portugal chapter. While he continues at club level with Al Nassr, the national team must now look to the future without its greatest ever player.
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