Ronaldo Vows to Address Saudi Pro League Criticisms as Title Race Nears Finish

Al Nassr beat Al Ahli 2-0, staying eight points ahead, games left. The win keeps the club on track for its first league title since 2019 and positions Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined in December 2022, to claim his Saudi Pro League crown.

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Ronaldo’s arrival has boosted Saudi Pro League profile. The league’s visibility rose when Al Hilal signed Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema in the winter window. Simultaneously, Al Ahli players have posted on Instagram and Facebook alleging referee bias favoring Al Nassr, a claim they say damages competition’s reputation.

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• Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal captain, Al Nassr forward, 970 goals

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• Al Nassr – League leaders; Ronaldo’s club since Dec 2022

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• Al Ahli – Asian Champions League winners; players allege referee bias

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• Al Hilal – Title rival that signed Karim Benzema

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Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in December 2022. Al Nassr’s 2-0 win over Al Ahli sparked referee-bias accusations. On Wednesday Ronaldo gave an interview, saying he will speak at season’s end.

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Ronaldo, 970-goal scorer; Al Nassr leads by eight, left. Al Ahli have Champions League titles; Al Hilal signed Karim Benzema.

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Ronaldo said criticism of Saudi Pro League harms its image, adding football is not a war and not all actions are allowed. He called season difficult on and off the pitch and said he will detail the “many, many bad things” he has seen after season ends. He stressed aim to win title and that fight will continue to final match.

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Al Ahli players posted on Instagram and Facebook alleging referee favoritism toward Al Nassr, saying it harms league image. Ronaldo said complaints have been made about officiating.

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• “I think this is not good for the league. Everyone complains. This is football, this is not a war. We know we have to fight, everyone wants to win. But not everything is allowed.” — Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr forward

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• “I am going to speak at the end of the season because I've seen many, many bad things,” — Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr forward

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• “Ronaldo said: "For me it's an honour, that's why I continue to play, not just for this present generation but for the previous one and the ones to come.” — Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr forward

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Ronaldo will issue a statement after season ends, outlining issues he has observed. Al Nassr has games left, leading Al Hilal by eight points with a game in hand. Matches will decide whether Ronaldo adds Saudi Pro League title to his record and how league reputation evolves.

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