OFFICIAL: FIFA imposes sanction, is Ronaldo's Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League dream over?

The FIFA-imposed ban on new player registrations severely impacts Al Nassr, challenging Cristiano Ronaldo's squad's goal of winning the Saudi Pro League during a decisive period.

Saudi Arabian football has just received shocking news as FIFA officially listed Al Nassr among clubs prohibited from registering new players. According to FIFA's system update, the sanction is effective from December 19 and is noted as "until lifted," meaning there is no specific end date yet. This immediately raises significant concerns about the short-term future of the team that currently has Cristiano Ronaldo on its roster.

The exact reason for the ban has not been detailed by FIFA. However, according to multiple regional sources, it is likely related to financial disputes, especially unpaid wages or outstanding payments owed to players.

A Saudi Arabian football legal expert commented: “Such bans are usually procedural and will be lifted as soon as the club fulfills its financial obligations as required by FIFA”.

In fact, Al Nassr is not an isolated case. Several other Saudi Pro League clubs like Al Shabab, Al Riyadh, and Damac are also on the banned list for player registrations. This indicates FIFA is tightening financial controls in a league known for massive contracts in recent years.

Specifically for Al Nassr, this is not their first time facing such a situation. In 2023, the Riyadh-based club was banned from transfers due to violations in the Ahmed Musa deal. At that time, Al Nassr paid around 2 million euros to settle the dispute and had the sanction promptly lifted. This history makes many believe the current ban could also be resolved quickly if the issue is fully addressed.

Nevertheless, the timing of the sanction is particularly sensitive. Al Nassr is fiercely competing in the Saudi Pro League with the ultimate goal of winning the title. The inability to add players in the upcoming transfer window raises concerns about squad depth, especially as the schedule intensifies with frequent matches.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain and biggest icon of the team, is reportedly deeply concerned about this news.

A close source shared: “Ronaldo always wants the squad to be strengthened to compete for titles, and this ban is clearly not what he expected at this time”. While direct rivals can still make signings, Al Nassr must rely on their existing players.

From aiming for domestic dominance to facing the risk of being hindered by administrative sanctions, Al Nassr is confronted with a tough challenge. If the ban is not lifted soon, Ronaldo and his teammates' dream of winning the Saudi Pro League will undoubtedly become much harder to achieve.