Title: FIFA Sanctions Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Imposing Transfer Window Ban
Publication Date: July 12, 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr has faced severe disciplinary action from FIFA, resulting in a significant setback for the Saudi Arabian team. According to exclusive information obtained by ‘Mirror’, Al Nassr will be prohibited from signing players during the next three transfer windows.
The sanctions were imposed due to a contractual dispute dating back to 2018, when the club had reached an agreement to sign Nigerian striker Ahmed Musa from Leicester City. Al Nassr was required to pay €15 million for the transfer, but it seems they failed to fulfill their financial obligations.
FIFA’s official ruling, issued in October 2021, clarifies that Al Nassr has neglected to pay Leicester City €460,000, along with interest relating to performance-related bonuses. As a consequence, the Saudi team will face restrictions on player acquisitions until the outstanding amount is settled with Leicester.
Notably, this ban specifically targets Al Nassr’s ability to sign both national (Saudi) and international players. Consequently, the team is currently unable to register foreign talents, further hindering their future prospects in both domestic and international competitions.
Al Nassr has since voiced their position, suggesting that the financial dispute predates the club’s takeover by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Additionally, reports indicate that the newly established team structure will ensure such incidents are avoided in the future, while immediate payment to Leicester City will be made to resolve the matter and lift the transfer ban.
While grappling with the consequences of this FIFA sanction, Al Nassr had already made moves in the current transfer window. Notably, they secured the signing of Marcelo Brozovic from Inter Milan, indicating a proactive approach to strengthen their squad. Furthermore, the team’s ambitions include acquiring Italian international Domenico Berardi and Chelsea player Hakim Ziyech.
Despite the setback, Al Nassr appears determined to navigate through these challenging circumstances, showcasing their commitment to regaining their competitive edge on the football field.