Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly facing the prospect of his contract with Al Nassr being terminated without compensation, following his refusal to play in recent matches. The Portuguese superstar declined to participate in the game against Al Riyadh and may also miss the upcoming match against Al Ittihad on the evening of 6/2. This action is considered a breach of contract obligations, potentially allowing the club to activate legal clauses under Article 17 of FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

Ronaldo celebrates the decisive goal in Al Nassr's 2-1 victory over Al Fayha at Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 1/11/2025. *Al Nassr*

Article 17 of FIFA's regulations outlines that if a player fails to fulfill their playing obligations, the club has the right to unilaterally terminate the contract and claim damages. Player contracts typically include a "protected period" designed to mitigate risks for both parties if a contract is breached. For players over 28, this period lasts for only the first two years from the contract signing date. Should a contract be terminated during this protected phase, the player may face sporting sanctions, such as a suspension, in addition to financial compensation obligations.

Ronaldo's situation is considered to be "outside the protected period." He signed his initial contract with Al Nassr in 2022 and extended it in 2025, with the agreement set to run until mid-2027. This means Ronaldo would not face sporting sanctions, such as a long-term ban, if his contract were terminated. However, he still risks losing his contract and becoming embroiled in financial disputes if Al Nassr decides to take a firm stance. Arab newspapers suggest the relationship between the two parties "is at its most strained" since the Portuguese superstar joined the Saudi Pro League.

This is not the first time Ronaldo has caused controversy before a World Cup. In 2022, the forward, born in 1985, refused to come on as a substitute in a Manchester United match, later publicly stating that the team had betrayed him. In 11/2022, he and the "Red Devils" mutually agreed to terminate his contract before the 2022 World Cup began.

The "Ronaldo crisis" is also believed to be directly impacting Al Nassr's coaching staff. Coach Jorge Jesus continued to be absent from the press conference before the match against Al Ittihad in Pro League round 21, marking his second consecutive no-show to the media. According to league regulations, this action could result in the Portuguese coach being fined an additional 100,000 riyal (over 26,000 USD).

Ronaldo's strike at Al Nassr is reportedly due to dissatisfaction with the team's ambitions. According to Arab newspaper Kooora, coach Jorge Jesus avoided the media to prevent answering questions related to Ronaldo. Ronaldo's availability for the match against Al Ittihad remains uncertain. He has even considered the prospect of leaving Al Nassr next summer if the situation does not improve.

By Hoang An (from Al Watan)