The Saudi Pro League, visibly irritated, has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo following his criticism. Although the Portuguese star has not yet publicly commented on his anger toward the investment fund that controls Al-Nassr, his refusal to play—effectively going on strike—has caused frustration in Saudi Arabia. The league has now delivered a tacit but forceful response to the forward.
“Like any elite athlete, Cristiano wants to win. But no individual, no matter how important, makes decisions outside of their own club,” the organization stated, in remarks published by the BBC.
They further added that clubs operate independently within the competition. “Clubs have their own boards of directors, their own leadership, and their own football management. They determine their own transfer strategies,” the league said in response to the Portuguese player’s criticism that the fund—which manages not only Al-Nassr but also three other teams in the competition—favors some clubs over others.
According to the league, spending and transfers are carried out within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and fair competition. “That framework applies to all clubs. No one receives preferential treatment,” the statement concluded firmly.