Cristiano Ronaldo has been told by the Saudi Pro League that no individual - however important - decides on decisions outside their own club, amid a dispute over transfer spending.
The Portuguese megastar, who turns 41 on Thursday, February 5, 2026, is not happy with Al Nassr's lack of activity in the January 2026 transfer market.
According to ESPN, Ronaldo plans to boycott the second league match in a row after not receiving assurances that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia would make changes regarding the management of Al Nassr.
However, Al Nassr expects Ronaldo to play on Saturday, February 7, 2026, early morning WIB, against Al Ittihad after he did not appear in the match on Monday, February 2, 2026, against Al Riyadh.
Ronaldo was unhappy with PIF for failing to invest in his team in the winter transfer window while rival Al Hilal - which is also 75 percent owned by PIF - brought in his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad.
However, the league issued a statement on Thursday, February 5, 2026, local time, emphasizing the independence of all clubs to manage their finances as they wish.
"The Saudi Pro League is structured on a simple principle. Each club operates independently under the same rules."
"Clubs have their own boards, their own executives, and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending, and strategy are in the hands of those clubs, within financial frameworks designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. The framework applies equally across the league."
"Cristiano has been fully involved with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played a key role in the club's growth and ambitions."
"Like any other elite competitor, he wants to win. However, no individual - however important - decides on decisions outside their own club."
"Recent transfer activity shows that independence clearly. One club strengthens itself in a certain way."
"Other clubs have chosen a different approach. It is a club decision, taken within the approved financial parameters."
"The competitiveness of the league speaks for itself. With only a few points separating the top four, the title race is very tight."
"The level of balance reflects a system that is functioning as it should. The focus remains on football - on the field, where it should be - and on maintaining a credible and competitive competition for players and fans," said a league spokesman.
The transfer fund is understood not to come from PIF, but from player acquisition funds. The fund is centrally overseen by the Saudi Pro League and provides funding for clubs each year based on their size.
The country's four big clubs - Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli - are believed to have received a similar amount before last year's summer transfer window opened.
Al Nassr spent a lot of money in the transfer window - bringing in Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman and extending Ronaldo's contract until June 2027.
It is understood that they have used most of their player acquisition money until they receive the next funds before the 2026 summer transfer window opens.
Meanwhile, Benzema's transfer to Al Hilal was financed separately by private investors, something Al Nassr could also do, but they didn't.
Despite uncertainty over Ronaldo's availability for the early-morning match, Al Nassr issued a touching birthday message to their star player on X on Thursday.
"This legend continues to grow. Your commitment, mentality, and leadership encourage our dreams for the future. Happy Birthday @Cristiano!" read the Al Nassr post.
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