Saudi Pro League issues firm response to Cristiano Ronaldo, stresses club autonomy | OneFootball

The Saudi Pro League has issued a firm response after Cristiano Ronaldo refused to play for Al-Nassr on Monday against Al-Riyadh, stressing that decisions beyond club level are not determined by any individual.

A league spokesperson said in a statement to BBC Sport that Ronaldo has been fully engaged at Al-Nassr since arriving and has been important to the club’s growth and ambitions, adding that, like any elite competitor, he wants to win.

The spokesperson outlined that the league’s model is based on clubs operating independently under the same rules. Recruitment, spending and strategy sit with each club within a financial system designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance, applied equally across the competition.

Ronaldo’s complaints followed Karim Benzema’s move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, confirmed early in the week before the window shut. Al-Hilal have been strengthened, while Al-Nassr added only young Iraqi midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem in the winter window, prompting anger from Ronaldo towards the Public Investment Fund.

Al-Hilal lead the league with 50 points. Al-Nassr are third, four points back with a game in hand. The spokesperson said the small gap between the top four underlines a live title race and reflects a system that is working.

It remains unclear whether Ronaldo will be in the squad when Al-Nassr face Al-Ittihad on Friday at 18:30.

Source: L'Équipe