Saudi Pro League: No Individual Player Runs the League

• Saudi Pro League Issues Formal Response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Protest

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has issued a comprehensive official statement directly addressing the growing controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s protest and reduced involvement with Al-Nassr, emphasizing that the league operates through independent clubs under a unified regulatory framework and that no single player, regardless of stature, can dictate decisions beyond their own club.

According to the statement, the SPL is founded on a straightforward principle: each club functions autonomously under the same set of rules designed to support sustainability, competitive fairness, and financial balance.

“The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules. Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.”

The league reiterated its belief that no individual — however significant — determines decisions beyond their own club, even when that individual is among the most high-profile players in global football.

Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al-Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual — however significant — determines decisions beyond their own club.”

The statement follows a period of escalating tensions after Ronaldo sat out Al-Nassr’s recent match in protest, amid reports of his dissatisfaction with the club’s transfer activity compared with rivals — most notably Al-Hilal’s high-profile signing of Karim Benzema earlier in the January window.

Ronaldo’s absence and comments have sparked debate over player influence and league governance, with some media describing the situation as damaging to the league’s image.

The SPL also stressed the competitiveness of the current title race, pointing out that only a few points separate the top teams — a sign, according to the league, that the system is working as intended and producing a credible competition.

“The competitiveness of the league speaks for itself. With only a few points separating the top four, the title race is very much alive. That level of balance reflects a system that is working as intended.”

The focus, the SPL said, remains firmly on football on the pitch, where sporting outcomes, not protests or off-field disputes, should determine success and progress for clubs, players and fans alike.

Ronaldo’s situation continues to develop, with discussions ongoing between Al-Nassr leadership, the league, and the player’s camp, amid speculation around his future in Saudi Arabia’s top flight.