Saudi League responds to Cristiano Ronaldo's protest over not playing for Al Nassr.
On 6 Feb 2026 GMT+7, the Saudi Pro League issued a statement regarding Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's star striker, protesting by refusing to play for Al Nassr due to dissatisfaction with the club's management.
Cristiano Ronaldo refused to play in the Saudi league match in which Al Nassr defeated Al Riyadh 1-0 last Monday because he was unhappy with the board’s lack of enthusiasm for strengthening the squad during the transfer market, not due to injury or illness.
Additionally, Ronaldo is displeased with the unequal management by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which holds a 75% stake in four Saudi league clubs: Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr.
The latest case involves Karim Benzema, Ronaldo's former Real Madrid teammate, who recently transferred from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal on the winter transfer deadline day. Ronaldo did not play for Al Nassr on the same day and might also miss the upcoming match against Al Ittihad today.
Recently, the Saudi League issued a statement regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation, saying, "The Saudi Football League is structured on a simple principle: all clubs operate independently under the same regulations."
"Each club has its own board of directors, senior executives, and football leadership. Decisions regarding player recruitment, spending, and strategies belong to those clubs within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. This framework is applied equally across the league."
"Cristiano Ronaldo has fully committed to Al Nassr since joining and played a key role in the club’s growth and ambitions. Like other top athletes, he wants to win."
"However, no individual—regardless of importance—can make decisions beyond their own club. The recent player transfers clearly demonstrate this independence."
"One club strengthens in a particular way while another chooses a different approach. These are club decisions made within an approved budget framework."
Regarding Ronaldo, there are reports he may leave the Saudi league this summer despite having 18 months left on his contract with Al Nassr, which includes a release clause of £43 million (€50 million), approximately 1.85 billion baht.