Saudi Pro League gives Cristiano Ronaldo warning following strike at Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates Al Nassr's goal in the match against Al Okhdood at Al Awwal Stadium on Dec. 27, 2025. Photo by Reuters

SPL issued a firm statement on Thursday affirming that "no individual, however significant, determines decisions beyond their own club."

This rebuke addresses Ronaldo's recent strike at Al Nassr, where he alleged that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) showed favoritism by facilitating Karim Benzema's move from Al Ittihad to title rivals Al Hilal.

The league stated that all clubs adhere to the same financial regulations.

"The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules," an SPL spokesperson told The Guardian. "Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance."

The announcement specifically addressed the 41-year-old striker's role. While acknowledging his significant contributions to the club since joining, the league drew a line.

"Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al-Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club's growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual, however significant, determines decisions beyond their own club," the statement added.

The Portuguese superstar is reportedly frustrated by Al Nassr's inactivity during the winter transfer window, contrasting sharply with Al Hilal's signing of Benzema. Consequently, Ronaldo sat out the match against Al Riyadh earlier this week and will miss the Friday clash with Al Ittihad due to the rising tensions.

The SPL refuted claims of PIF favoritism, explaining that transfer variance proves the system's independence.

"Recent transfer activity demonstrates that independence clearly. One club strengthened in a particular way," the spokeperson added. Another chose a different approach. Those were club decisions, taken within approved financial parameters."

Transfer budgets are allocated via a centralized fund, with the four major teams, Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli, receiving comparable amounts.

Al Nassr utilized the bulk of their allocation during the previous window, signing Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman and extending Ronaldo's contract until June 2027. This expenditure left them waiting for the next funding cycle before the 2026 summer window.

SPL also revealed that Benzema's move to Al Hilal was financed by a private investor rather than the league's fund. The Frenchman made an immediate impact, scoring a hat-trick in a 6-0 debut victory over Al Okhdoud.

"With only a few points separating the top four, the title race is very much alive. That level of balance reflects a system that is working as intended," the spokesperson added.