FIFA To Lift Saudi Cristiano Ronaldo's Club Al-Nassr's Player Registration Ban When Debt To Leicester Is Paid

Notably, Al-Nassr had been ordered to pay the English club Leicester 460,000 euros (513,000 dollars) as well as an annual interest of 5 percent in an October 2021 ruling.

Cristiano Ronaldo (7) of Al-Nassr during the Saudi Pro League week 28 soccer match between Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab at Alawwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 23, 2023

Source : Getty Images

Cristiano Roanldo's club Al-Nassr was handed a setback when itw as banned for registering new players. However, FIFA has now said that it could lift the player registration ban imposed on the Saudi Arabian club but one condition. The world football governing body announced that it would lift the ban but only when Al-Nassr settles a debt with Leicester. Notably, Al-Nassr had been ordered to pay the English club Leicester 460,000 euros (513,000 dollars) as well as an annual interest of 5 percent in an October 2021 ruling by a judge appointed by FIFA in the players’ status committee.

Notably, Leicester had filed the complaint in April 2021. This was in relation to an unpaid additional clauses amounting to 18 million euros (20 million dollars) sale of Nigeria forward's Ahmed Musa in 2018. As things stand, even though Al-Nassr can purchase players, it cannot register them to play.

FIFA spokeperson statement on Al Nassr situation 🇸🇦

“Al-Nassr is currently prevented from registering new players — this due to outstanding debts”.

“Relevant bans will be lifted immediately upon the settlement of the debts being confirmed by the creditors concerned”. pic.twitter.com/sj6sMy85rm

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2023

"The club Al Nassr is currently prevented from registering new players due to outstanding debts," FIFA said on Thursday.

"The relevant bans will be lifted immediately upon the settlement of the debts being confirmed by the creditors concerned," it added.

It is worth highlighting that Al-Nassr had managed to a seal a blockbuster deal with Ronaldo which had reportedly made him the world's highest-paid footballer. Ronaldo had joined the club as a free agent after his contract with Manchester United was terminated post his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. It was Ronaldo's signing that has ignited a massive spending trend in the Saudi Pri League. Meanwhile, in a recent update, the Al-Nassr also managed to rope in Croatia midfielder Marcelo Brozovic this month from Inter Milan. This move is reportedly valued at 18 million euros (20 million dollars).