In a press release issued to BBC Sport, a Saudi Professional League spokesperson stated: “The Saudi Professional League is structured round a easy precept: each membership operates independently below the identical guidelines.

“Golf equipment have their very own boards, their very own executives and their very own soccer management. Choices on recruitment, spending and technique sit with these golf equipment, inside a monetary framework designed to make sure sustainability and aggressive stability. That framework applies equally throughout the league.

“Cristiano has been absolutely engaged with Al-Nassr since his arrival and has performed an essential function within the membership’s development and ambition,” added the Saudi Professional League spokesperson. “Like several elite competitor, he needs to win.

“However no particular person – nonetheless vital – determines selections past their very own membership.

“Current switch exercise demonstrates that independence clearly. One membership strengthened in a selected method. One other selected a distinct strategy. These have been membership selections, taken inside accredited monetary parameters.”

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United mid-season, changing into the best-paid participant in soccer historical past with an annual wage of £177m, however has solely received the Arab Membership Champions Cup with them.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner signed a brand new two-year contract in June 2025.

Earlier than he agreed the brand new deal, nonetheless, there was hypothesis he may depart Al-Nassr with a mortgage transfer to rivals Al-Hilal amongst these touted.

Al-Nassr solely signed Iraq Beneath-23 midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem within the January switch window.

Al-Hilal are unbeaten within the league this season and lead with 50 factors after 20 video games, whereas Al-Nassr are 4 factors behind in third place, though they’ve a recreation in hand.

The Saudi Professional League spokesperson stated: “The competitiveness of the league speaks for itself. With just a few factors separating the highest 4, the title race may be very a lot alive. That degree of stability displays a system that’s working as supposed.

“The main target stays on soccer – on the pitch, the place it belongs – and on sustaining a reputable, aggressive competitors for gamers and followers.”