Feb 9 โ€ข 18:53 UTC ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece Naftemporiki

End of the strike by Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has ended the strike at Al Nassr after the club resolved payment delays affecting its employees.

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced the end of his strike with Al Nassr, as reported by the Portuguese outlet A Bola. The striker had initiated the action due to delays in salary payments to the club's staff. However, the issue is further complicated by the controversial involvement of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) in the countryโ€™s football scene, which has raised concerns among several stakeholders regarding management practices.

The report suggests that under pressure from Ronaldo, the management of Al Nassr has resolved to clear the outstanding debts owed to its employees in a bid to restore normalcy and player morale. The situation reflects broader tension within the Saudi football landscape, especially considering recent high-profile transfers, such as Karim Benzema's move to Al Hilal, aided by PIF, which has irked Ronaldo given that Al Hilal is a direct competitor to Al Nassr in the league.

Overall, this incident highlights the fragility of management-player relationships in elite football, particularly in leagues experiencing rapid financial influx from state-backed investments. It raises questions about the implications for competitive balance in the Saudi Pro League and the long-term impact of PIF's involvement on its clubs, players, and the overall footballing culture in the region.

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