The Eighth Media Network issued a formal apology to Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr FC, its fans, and Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, following the widespread circulation of a video clip on social media platforms that was deemed offensive to the team's captain. The controversial clip was part of the program "Qabil Lilnashr" (Publishable), which sparked outrage and anger among fans of the club and the global community.
In an official statement published on its social media accounts, Thamaniyah TV said: “Regarding the video circulating from the program ‘Qabil Nashr’ (Releasable), we apologize to Al-Nassr Club, its vast fan base, and all those offended by the aforementioned clip.” The company confirmed that it took immediate action to address the situation, directly removing the relevant segment from the episode, in addition to implementing strict internal measures within its review and editing teams to ensure such errors do not recur. It also announced the temporary suspension of the program's broadcast to review its content and production methods.
General context and importance of the event
This incident comes at a time when Saudi football is experiencing an unprecedented historical boom, which began with the arrival of the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in late 2012. This transfer was more than just a player move; it was a turning point that drew the world's attention to the Saudi Professional League. This was followed by the attraction of a constellation of the world's most prominent football stars, which has dramatically increased the league's technical and marketing value, placing Saudi clubs and their competitions under the international media spotlight.
Expected impact and dimensions of the issue
Domestically, the swift and strong public reaction demonstrated the sensitivity of the situation and the importance of preserving the image of the international stars who represent the face of Saudi Arabia's ambitious sports project. The prompt apology from "Thamania" reflects an understanding of the importance of handling issues related to the icons of major clubs with utmost professionalism, and of avoiding any escalation that could negatively impact the relationship between media outlets and sports clubs.
At both the regional and international levels, this incident highlights the new challenges facing sports media in the region. With a player of Cristiano Ronaldo's stature, media coverage is no longer merely a local matter; every word and image is now subject to global scrutiny and analysis. Consequently, any editorial error could escalate into an international public opinion issue. This apology is a significant step towards maintaining the image of media professionalism that keeps pace with the rapid development of the Saudi sports sector, and it underscores the commitment to professional standards befitting the league's stature and its stars.
