The Saudi Pro League has firmly rejected suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo holds sway over league-wide decisions or disciplinary matters, insisting that all rulings are made independently by the relevant committees regardless of the presence of high-profile players.
The statement came in response to recent speculation and social media commentary implying that the Portuguese superstar’s status at Al-Nassr could affect refereeing, scheduling or other administrative outcomes in the competition.
In a pointed clarification issued Thursday, the league’s organising body declared:
“The Saudi Pro League operates under clear rules and regulations applied equally to all clubs and players. No individual player, regardless of their profile or achievements, can influence the decisions of the league’s independent disciplinary and competition committees.”
The organisation added:
“Match officials, referees, and disciplinary panels work in full accordance with FIFA and AFC guidelines. Any attempt to suggest otherwise is baseless and does not reflect the reality of how the league is managed.”
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023 on a lucrative contract and has since become the competition’s most prominent figure, consistently leading the goal-scoring charts and drawing global attention to Saudi football.
Despite the league’s emphatic denial, the statement is likely to fuel ongoing debate about whether the heavy investment in global stars has created perceptions of unequal treatment or pressure on officials.
Saudi Pro League officials reiterated that the competition remains committed to fairness and transparency as it continues to attract international talent and expand its commercial footprint.
The clarification arrives as the 2025/26 season enters its decisive phase, with Al-Nassr still in contention for domestic honours and Ronaldo chasing further individual milestones.
