According to the Al-Riyadh daily on 10/2, the impending removal stems from prolonged internal disputes and controversial decisions regarding executive authority. Chairman Al Majid publicly criticized CEO Jose Semedo and coach Jorge Jesus. This statement reportedly displeased the Portuguese contingent at Al Nassr, including Semedo, Sports Director Simao Coutinho, coach Jorge Jesus, and captain Ronaldo.

Ronaldo and Chairman Abdullah Al Majid during a contract extension announcement on 26/6/2025. Photo: Al Nassr

The PIF's intervention began with the resignation of Board of Directors Secretary General, Mohammed Al-Skeet. Al-Skeet cited personal reasons for his departure, without providing further details.

The PIF is set to fully restore administrative and financial powers to Semedo and Coutinho. Both individuals were appointed in summer 2025, leveraging their long-standing relationship with Ronaldo. Previously, CEO Majed Al-Jamaan and Sports Director Fernando Hierro were dismissed due to conflicts with the Portuguese forward.

The PIF, the world's largest public investment fund with assets estimated at USD 1 trillion by Forbes, owns a 75% stake in four major Saudi Pro League clubs, including Al Nassr. The fund appoints a board of directors, led by Chairman Al Majid, to manage club operations. The CEO and Sports Director report to this chairman.

Effective 31/12/2025, Semedo and Coutinho's powers were frozen, and their financial spending authority was revoked, centralizing control with an executive committee approved by the board. This decision reportedly stalled many of the club's management and professional activities, directly affecting transfer plans and first-team operations.

In an effort to de-escalate tensions, PIF representatives met with Ronaldo on 8/2. According to Arab newspaper Kooora, the Al Nassr captain received assurances that outstanding issues would be addressed, particularly the payment of overdue salaries and allowances to club staff.

The 41-year-old forward presented comparative data, highlighting the number of foreign players and transfer values of Al Nassr against other top Saudi Arabian clubs. He noted that Al Nassr made no significant signings during the mid-season transfer window, apart from acquiring one domestic player and one Iraqi international at low cost.

Ronaldo emphasized that his team at Al Nassr had previously reached agreements with several quality players, but these deals collapsed due to limitations on their authority. PIF representatives were reportedly convinced and directly asked for his specific demands. Ronaldo responded by requesting "the full restoration of powers to Semedo and Coutinho, and the removal of individuals hindering their work." The PIF is said to have agreed to the Portuguese superstar's proposal.

Following the meeting, the crisis reportedly eased. Ronaldo returned to training and is expected to feature in the match against Al-Fateh in the 22nd round of the Saudi Pro League on the evening of 14/2.

Hoang An (according to Kooora)