Following Cristiano Ronaldo signing to Saudi Arabian club, Al-Nassr, where he’ll earn approximately £176,000 million per season – the move has also come attached with many details and issues you may find interesting.
Firstly, Ronaldo must miss his first two Saudi Pro League matches following a suspension he received by England’s Football Association for knocking a phone out of a fan’s hand after Manchester United’s defeat at Everton Last April.
FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, any sanction of up to four matches that’s been issued by former associations must be “enforced by the new associations.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner hasn’t even been able to be registered as an official Al Nassr player as they already have eight foreign players in the squad, the maximum allowed by Saudi football authorities.Â
As of yesterday, Cameroon striker Vincent Aboubakar’s contract was terminated by Al Nassr to make room for the register of Ronaldo. Reports by RMC Sport claim the termination was of mutual consent and Aboubaker, who’s now a free agent, was financially compensated.
Ronaldo and his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, an Argentinian influencer, faced complications as Saudi Arabia’s laws state that only married couples can live together, whereas Ronaldo and Georgina are not married.
It’s now been reported that the couple will be excused from Saudi Arabia’s laws forbidding unmarried couples to live together. Ronaldo and Georgina have been given the green flag to live with each other, plus the two children they share together and Ronaldo’s other 3 children.
While the 37-year-old self-proclaimed ‘GOAT’ searches for a suitable home for him and his family, they’re currently residing in a lavish, 17 room suite at Riyadh’s Four Seasons hotel, which racks up a incredibly £250,000 bill in a month!
Although some restrictions on women have been lifted in recent years, Georgina Rodriguez is also facing some strict conditions she must follow as she’s now a permanent resident in Saudi Arabia.Â
Rodriguez has been issued with rules to dress with modesty. She won’t have to wear the abaya, but the 28-year-old will be banned from wearing tight garments with necklines and transparencies.
As a foreigner in Saudi Arabia, Georgina will also be prohibited from importing or consuming alcohol or pork products. Failure to do so could lead to a severe fine or possibly even a spell in prison.
During Ramadan, which takes place in March and April, Georgina will also not be allowed to eat, drink, or smoke in public.
Ronaldo may make his first appearance for Al Nassr on Thursday 19 January, when the Saudi side takes on Lionel Messi’s PSG team in a friendly game.
The Portuguese star is set to make his official competitive debut three days later on Sunday 22 January, when his new club will play against Ettifaq.Â
For more up to date news plus the top discounts & sales available – join our community at The Hoxton Trend.Â
