Cristiano Ronaldo refused to play for Al-Nassr during their match against Al-Riyadh later in the day after claiming that other clubs belonging to the PIF were receiving preferential treatment, according to an article in the Portuguese newspaper A Bola.
Al-Nassr is one of four clubs whose majority shareholders are the Saudi Public Investment Fund – Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad being the others.
A Bola claims Ronaldo has become disillusioned with the lack of investment in his club compared to their Saudi Pro League rivals.
The final straw was the announcement that former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema was set to join Al-Hilal after failing to negotiate a new deal with Al-Ittihad.
Ronaldo to miss crucial derby
This leaves Al-Nassr in a difficult situation ahead of their crucial match this afternoon.
Al-Hilal are top of the table but have drawn their last two matchesopening the door for Al-Nassr, who would move to level on points with a victory against Al-Riyadh, although they would have played one more match.
Despite Ronaldo’s displeasure, Al-Nassr can still boast an expensive roster including Sadio Mane, Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman.
Ronaldo signed a new contract with Al-Nassr in June last year, until June 2027, when he will be 42 years old.
