Top Saudi Arabian executive 'angered' by Ronaldo's rebellion

Cristiano Ronaldo's repeated absences have led Saudi sports officials to call for transparency regarding the operational mechanisms and distribution of resources in the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo's absence from Al Nassr's last two matches quickly became a focal point in the Saudi Pro League. According to Okaz, the Portuguese superstar missing the games against Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad sparked debates about the league’s management and development direction. Internal discussions began questioning the fairness and transparency in managing major clubs.

Sources from Saudi Arabian media revealed, Ronaldo is dissatisfied with certain decisions related to transfer strategies and the governance model of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which holds dominant control over several top clubs. The perceived unfair distribution of resources is believed to have caused internal tensions at Al Nassr, affecting the league's overall image and prompting a Saudi sports leader to speak out.

Amid the rising controversy, Abdulhadi Al-Hababi, Chairman of the Saudi Sports Investment Committee, called for firm actions. He proposed conducting an independent review of how PIF supports and manages the four key clubs in the Saudi Pro League to ensure transparency, fairness, and healthy competition among the teams.

The official also emphasized the need for an official oversight mechanism with detailed reports and specific data on financial support given to each club. He stated that allocation criteria must be clearly disclosed to avoid any perception of favoritism. If violations are found, individuals or organizations distorting competition must be held fully accountable.

Notably, Al-Hababi stressed that every case must be treated fairly, with no exceptions made for star players. If Cristiano Ronaldo is found guilty of misconduct or crossing acceptable limits, PIF and the league organizers must enforce disciplinary measures appropriate to protect the Saudi Pro League's reputation and maintain trust from investors and long-term partners.

Therefore, the Ronaldo affair is not just a matter concerning Al Nassr’s professionalism but also impacts the credibility and operational structure of the entire Saudi Pro League. As the league enters a phase of competing for recognition with major global competitions, every decision now carries weight in shaping trust—or fueling doubts among fans and international investors.