In a statement issued to BBC Sport, a Saudi Pro League spokesperson said: "The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. "Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al-Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club's growth and ambition," added the Saudi Pro League spokesperson. Those were club decisions, taken within approved financial parameters." The Saudi Pro League spokesperson said: "The competitiveness of the league speaks for itself.

Source: BBC February 05, 2026 22:32 UTC