Amid the major transformations taking place in the Saudi Professional League, a notable crisis has emerged involving its biggest stars, specifically Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. While the underlying action of refusing to play for their respective teams as a form of protest is similar, the disparity in the outcomes and potential penalties raises serious questions about the transparency of the regulations and the principle of equal opportunity.
General context: An ambitious sports project under scrutiny
These events come at a crucial time for the Saudi sports project, which aims to make the Roshan League one of the top 10 leagues in the world by 2030. Since the Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired the four major clubs (Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli), the league has witnessed an unprecedented influx of international stars. This massive investment has not only raised the technical level and fan base but has also put the administrative and organizational structure of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the league to a real test, proving their ability to manage a league of this scale of professionalism and star power, and to ensure the fair application of regulations to all.
Benzema's case: Amicable termination and a smooth transfer
The crisis with Karim Benzema began when he refused to play for his former club, Al-Ittihad, in protest against what he considered an "unfair" renewal offer. Since his contract was nearing its end, a quick solution was reached: a mutual termination of the contract. What's striking is that Benzema then immediately transferred, on a free transfer, to Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad's direct rival, without facing any clear disciplinary sanctions, which angered fans of other clubs.
The Ronaldo affair: Ongoing strike and looming sanctions
On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo has repeatedly missed at least two matches for Al-Nassr, which many interpret as a protest against what he perceives as unfair treatment by the Public Investment Fund, especially after Benzema's transfer to their rivals was facilitated. However, the crucial difference here is that Ronaldo's contract runs until 2027, making his absence a clear breach of contract. According to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's disciplinary and ethical regulations, the player could face penalties including hefty fines, suspensions of several months, and even demands for financial compensation from the club.
Expected impact: The league's credibility is at stake
The inconsistent treatment of two essentially similar cases threatens the credibility of the league both domestically and internationally. Domestically, this perception of “double standards” fuels a sense of injustice among clubs and their fans, potentially undermining the integrity of the competition. Internationally, the world is watching. For the project to succeed in attracting more talent and international sponsors, a strict and transparent legal framework must be established and applied equally to all. Implementing Financial Fair Play principles, similar to those of major European leagues, is no longer a luxury but a necessity to ensure genuine competitive balance, even among clubs owned by a single entity, and to safeguard the long-term integrity of Saudi football.
