Saudi Football Association Suspends, Fines Ronaldo Over Gesture 

Saudi Football Association Suspends, Fines Ronaldo Over Gesture 

Saudi Arabia’s football governing body announced on Thursday the suspension of Cristiano Ronaldo for one game in response to a gesture he made on the field last weekend that was deemed provocative.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation also imposed a total fine of 30,000 riyals ($8,000) on the Al-Nassr captain and former Porto star for violating rules against inciting the public during a match.

The decision is final and cannot be appealed. Video footage emerged following Al-Nassr’s 3-2 victory against Al-Shabab, capturing Ronaldo making a repeated thrusting gesture towards his groin in reaction to crowd chants of his long-time rival Lionel Messi’s name.

The clip quickly went viral, dominating Saudi social media discussions.

Ronaldo reportedly stated that he respects all football clubs and clarified that the gesture was intended to convey strength and victory rather than offense, a gesture he deemed acceptable in Europe.

At 39 years old, Ronaldo, a five-time UEFA Champions League winner, became a prominent figure to transfer to the kingdom when he signed with Al-Nassr in January 2023.

Saudi Pro League teams have embarked on a spending spree to attract top players, as Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the 2034 World Cup as part of its broader engagement in global sports.

Notable figures such as France’s Karim Benzema, Brazilian star Neymar, and Senegalese striker Sadio Mane have also departed Europe for lucrative contracts in the conservative kingdom.

However, Riyadh has faced criticism from detractors for “sportswashing,” utilizing sports to enhance its international image amid ongoing scrutiny of its human rights and environmental practices.