Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al Nassr accused of delaying payments? Transfer fees unpaid on time lead to registration ban

The cash-injected leagues, previously the Chinese Super League and now the Saudi Pro League, face difficulties lasting long without competitive strength and impact backing their spending. Now, even Al Nassr, home to Ronaldo, is reported to have delayed transfer payments and been barred from signing new players following a complaint.

According to the latest report from Saudi media outlet Arriyadiyah, Al Nassr has been reported by Manchester City to FIFA for failing to pay the transfer fee for Laporte on time, resulting in a transfer ban imposed on the club.

It is reported that FIFA has suspended Al Nassr’s registration of new players. Manchester City filed the complaint because they did not receive the €9 million transfer fee related to Laporte by August 31. The ban will be lifted once Al Nassr completes the payment.

According to Transfermarkt, Laporte moved from Manchester City to Al Nassr in the summer 2023 transfer window for €27.5 million, and then after two years, in the summer 2025 window, he transferred from Al Nassr to Athletic Bilbao for €10 million.

Currently 31 years old, Laporte stands 1.91 meters tall, is a left-footed central defender, and is contracted with Athletic Bilbao until 2028. Transfermarkt values him at €9 million. This season, he has played 11 La Liga matches with 1 assist and appeared twice in the Champions League.