Saudi Arabian Clubs Face Scandal of Not Paying Players Wages, Including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr

A shocking report has shed light on the troubling issue of clubs in Saudi Arabia failing to pay their players’ wages, with even Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr implicated in the controversy.

The Saudi Pro League has been making waves in the football world with high-profile signings, the latest being Karim Benzema’s move to champions Al Ittihad in a staggering £172-million-a-year transfer.

Ronaldo, Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate, also joined the Saudi league when he signed for Al Nassr, putting Saudi Arabian football on the map in December.

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While big names like Kalidou Koulibaly, N’Golo Kante, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have been linked to Saudi clubs, FIFPRO, the international players’ union, has cautioned players against joining teams in Saudi Arabia due to ongoing issues with salary payments.

They have highlighted the “recurring problem” of non-payment of salaries in the country, prompting concerns over player welfare.

The Athletic has provided a detailed account of the distressing predicament, revealing over 50 labor disputes involving Saudi clubs.

One recent case involved Lewis Grabban, formerly of Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, who had a brief stint with Al Ahli.

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Grabban’s contract was abruptly terminated after just three months, leaving him without a signing-on fee and two months’ worth of wages. Seeking compensation, Grabban demanded £2.2 million from the club.

After a series of tribunals, the fourth involving Al Ahli in 18 months, it was ruled that the club must pay $500,000 in wages and an additional $700,000 for breaching the contract.

Furthermore, the club faced the consequences of being banned from registering new players for “two entire and consecutive registration periods.”

Al Nassr, the club that Ronaldo represents, has also faced its share of turmoil. In November, the club was compelled to pay Brazilian midfielder Petros $2.5 million following the termination of his contract.

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Despite their differences, the club and the player could not reach an agreement on previously negotiated terms.

The situation has reached a critical point as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which holds an 80% stake in Newcastle United, has taken full control of the four largest clubs in the league—Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal.

This move aims to sustain the attraction of high-profile names to Saudi Arabian football.

The revelations of unpaid wages raise serious concerns about the financial management and ethical practices within Saudi football.

It is imperative that authorities and governing bodies take swift action to ensure that players are adequately protected and that such violations of labor rights are rectified.

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The reputation of Saudi Arabian football, already under scrutiny due to its massive signings, now faces additional scrutiny and demands for accountability.

As the Saudi Pro League continues to make headlines with its ambitious acquisitions, it must prioritize the fair treatment of players and address the issue of unpaid wages.

Football should be a platform for talent and sporting excellence, not a breeding ground for financial exploitation.