Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to play for Al-Nassr in their game with Al-Riyadh later today after claiming other PIF-owned clubs are receiving preferential treatment, according to a report in Portuguese newspaper A Bola.
Al-Nassr are one of four clubs whose majority stakeholders are the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund – Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad being the others.
A Bola claims Ronaldo has become disillusioned with a lack of investment in his club compared to their Saudi Pro League rivals.
The final straw was the news that former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema was set to join Al-Hilal after failing to negotiate a new deal at Al-Ittihad.
Ronaldo to miss crucial derby clash
It leaves Al-Nassr in a difficult situation ahead of their crucial game this afternoon.
Al-Hilal top the table but have drawn their last two games, opening the door for Al-Nassr, who would move level on points with a win against Al-Riyadh, albeit they would have played a game more.
Despite Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction, Al-Nassr can still boast a expensively assembled line up that includes Sadio Mane, Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman.
Ronaldo signed a new contract with Al-Nassr in June last year that runs until June 2027 when he will be 42 years of age.
