Saudi Football Body Suspends, Fines Ronaldo
Saudi Arabia’s football governing body has taken disciplinary action against Cristiano Ronaldo, suspending him for one game and imposing a fine following an incident during a recent match.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced on Thursday that Ronaldo, who captains Al-Nassr and is a former star of Sporting Lisbon, has been penalized for a gesture deemed to be a “provocation.”The decision, which includes a one-game suspension and a fine totaling 30,000 riyals ($8,000), was made in response to Ronaldo’s actions on the pitch d
uring a match last weekend. These actions were found to have violated rules prohibiting players from provoking the public during games. Importantly, the federation emphasized that this decision is not subject to appeal.
Video footage surfaced after Al-Nassr’s 3-2 victory over Al-Shabab, capturing Ronaldo making repeated thrusting gestures towards his groin.
This gesture was reportedly in response to taunting chants from the crowd, who were invoking the name of Ronaldo’s long-time rival, Lionel Messi. The incident quickly gained traction on social media platforms in Saudi Arabia, becoming a trending topic.
According to reports from sports newspaper Al-Riyadiya, Ronaldo defended his actions by stating that he holds respect for all football clubs. He claimed that the gesture was intended to convey “strength and victory” rather than causing offense and noted that such actions are considered acceptable in European football culture.
The disciplinary action against Ronaldo comes amidst a backdrop of significant investment in Saudi football, with Pro League teams attracting renowned players with lucrative contracts. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is slated to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup as part of its broader efforts to expand its presence in global sports.
Notably, other high-profile players such as France’s Karim Benzema, Brazil’s Neymar, and Senegal’s Sadio Mane have also opted to join Saudi clubs, drawn by the promise of substantial financial rewards. However, Riyadh’s aggressive pursuit of sporting events and personalities has drawn criticism from some quarters.
Critics accuse the kingdom of engaging in “sportswashing,” leveraging athletics to bolster its international image amidst ongoing scrutiny of its human rights and environmental practices.Credit:AFP