The Roshan League clarifies its position on Ronaldo's absence
The Saudi Pro League has put an end to the controversy surrounding the recent absence of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al-Nassr, from several important matches. In official statements, Omar Batterjee, the league's Director of Corporate Communications and Media, confirmed that the competition's organizers did not meet with the player or intervene to ascertain the reasons for his absence, emphasizing that these matters are internal to the club and its players.
This clarification came in response to speculation circulating in the media and on social media platforms. In statements to the program "In 90," Petarji said, "The relationship between a player and his club is a private matter for the club, and we do not speak on behalf of the clubs." He added that the league's role is focused on organizing and developing the competition, not interfering in the technical and administrative affairs of the teams.
Background of Ronaldo's transfer and its impact on Saudi football
This intense interest in Ronaldo's news comes as part of the broader context of the historic transformation underway in Saudi football. In late 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr caused a global sensation, considered the most significant transfer in the region's history and the starting point for a massive sporting project aimed at making the Saudi Professional League one of the top 10 leagues in the world—a key objective of Saudi Vision 2030. Ronaldo's transfer was more than just a sporting deal; it heralded a new era that subsequently attracted other global stars like Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mané, boosting the league's market value and capturing the attention of millions of fans worldwide.
Ronaldo's importance to the Saudi sports project
Al-Batraj acknowledged the immense value Ronaldo represents to the Saudi sports project as a whole, saying, “Having a player like Ronaldo in the league has served the project well, and his role has been significant. He is a player of global value, and no one can deny that.” However, he reiterated the importance of respecting the professional boundaries between the league and the clubs, explaining, “But ultimately, this is a relationship between the player and his club.” It's worth noting that the 39-year-old Ronaldo missed his team's last two league matches against Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad, as well as the AFC Champions League match against Turkmenistan's Arkadağ, which has raised concerns among fans and fueled speculation about his future.
The expected impact of the League's statements
These official statements help put an end to the controversy and underscore the professionalism with which the football system in the Kingdom is managed. Domestically, they send a clear message to clubs that they have sovereignty over their internal affairs. Internationally, they reflect a positive image of the sports environment in Saudi Arabia and reassure international stars that contractual relationships respect the privacy and independence of clubs, a crucial factor in attracting more top talent in the future.
