The Saudi Pro League has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo following reports that the Al Nassr forward went on strike ahead of the side’s match against Al Riyadh on Monday (February 2).
Ronaldo was omitted from Al Nassr’s matchday squad, with Portuguese outlet Record reporting that the issue relates to the player feeling that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) – which owns Al Nassr as well as Al Ittihad, Al Ahli and Al Hilal - is favouring other sides in the transfer market.
The outlet said that Ronaldo “feels he deserves more respect” for his role in boosting the popularity of Saudi football.
The 40-year-old is also supposedly not best pleased with the fact that Karim Benzema was allowed to terminate his Al Ittihad contract before moving to league leaders Al Hilal, who Al Nassr trail by four points, although Ronaldo’s side have played a game less.
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As a result of his stance, Ronaldo has been linked with a potential move away from the Middle East amid reports that his contract includes a £56 million release clause that could be triggered this summer.
Despite his protest, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to training with his teammates this week, with the side set to face Al Ittihad at home on Friday (February 6).
Sky Sports reports that Ronaldo wants to continue his protest by missing the match over what he perceives as preferential treatment that Al Hilal are getting in the transfer market.
Officials have since urged Ronaldo to return to action in a damning statement released on Thursday (February 5).
"The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules," a league spokesperson said.
"Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.
"Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club's growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual -- however significant -- determines decisions beyond their own club.
"Recent transfer activity demonstrates that independence clearly. One club strengthened in a particular way. Another chose a different approach. Those were club decisions, taken within approved financial parameters.
"The competitiveness of the league speaks for itself. With only a few points separating the top four, the title race is very much alive. That level of balance reflects a system that is working as intended.
"The focus remains on football -- on the pitch, where it belongs -- and on maintaining a credible, competitive competition for players and fans."
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr from Manchester United in 2023 but has not yet won a Saudi Pro League title.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr, Football, Transfer News
Luke Davies