Cristiano Ronaldo warned by Saudi Pro League after Al-Nassr strike, CR7 ‘could miss’ Al-Ittihad clash | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo has received a public warning from the Saudi Pro League after going on strike at Al-Nassr, sitting out the derby with Al-Riyadh in protest over transfer funding.

The 41-year-old has railed against what he views as PIF-backed advantages, with Al-Hilal paying £26 million each for Kader Meite and Saimon Bouabre, and signing Karim Benzema on a free. He has returned to training, but, according to Sky Sports, he could miss Friday’s top-of-the-table meeting with Al-Ittihad.

The public reminder set out that clubs operate independently under the same rules, with recruitment and spending decided by boards and executives within a sustainability framework to preserve competitive balance.

It added that Ronaldo has been fully engaged with Al Nassr and wants to win, yet no individual dictates decisions beyond their own club. Recent transfer activity was presented as evidence of club independence.

The message also highlighted a tight title race, with only a few points separating the top four, and said the focus should remain on the pitch.

Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr in 2023 after his Manchester United contract was terminated, boosting the league’s profile and encouraging other established stars to follow.

He is on what is said to be the most lucrative deal in world football, close to £500,000 a day, extended last summer to 2026-27. That agreement may not be honoured as Ronaldo weighs up options, and there is said to be a €50 million release clause for the next window.

Source: Goal.com