Ronaldo Boycott: Saudi League Responds

The Saudi press reports new developments in Cristiano Ronaldo’s protest against the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), also responsible for managing Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli.

According to the newspaper Arriyadiyahthe captain of the team led by Jorge Jesus will not play against Sérgio Conceição’s Al Ittihad, as happened in the last round. The player remains unhappy with PIF’s disinvestment in Al Nassr’s winter market and alleged delays in salary payments.

Ronaldo’s absence from this Friday’s meeting was later confirmed by Fabrizio Romano. However, Al Nassr has been putting pressure on the team captain so that the player can at least be present at the stadium.

The League’s response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction came through the Daily Mail. The Saudis reject the idea of ​​interference in the sports management of clubs and guarantee that “everyone operates independently, under the same rules”.

In the English newspaper’s publication, the Saudis want Ronaldo to return to the pitch and maintain their support for the player, but they do not fail to clarify that “no individual determines decisions beyond their own club”.

According to the Saudi Pro Leagueeach club is responsible for its own administration, investment and player recruitment, in order to make the competition more sustainable and competitive.

In the same vein as the Portuguese international’s protests, Jorge Jesus has also avoided questions from journalists and once again failed to make statements in advance of the match against Al Ittihad. The Al Nassr coach had already missed the conference after the victory in the last round.

If the Portuguese coach’s behavior repeats, the club could be penalized 24,600 euros. The fine can increase to 56 thousand or 112 thousand euros, in case of new absences.