Ronaldu and Benzema Refuse to Play for Their Clubs

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have expressed dissatisfaction with the situation at Saudi Arabian clubs.

Ronaldu is unhappy with the management of the club by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), particularly regarding transfer policies and investment levels. The PIF directly manages “Al-Nasr,” “Al-Hilal,” “Al-Ittihad,” and “Al-Ahli.”

Currently, Ronaldo plans to miss his club’s match against “Al-Riyadh” in the national league, scheduled for February 2 at 8:15 PM Ashgabat time.

Karim Benzema has declined a new contract and decided to leave “Al-Ittihad.” The French striker already missed the match against “Al-Fateh” (2:2) due to contract disagreements.

The 38-year-old central forward of “Al-Ittihad” is expected to transfer to “Al-Hilal.” However, Ronaldo opposes this move, believing it would strengthen a direct competitor.

At present, in the Saudi Pro League standings, “Al-Hilal” is first, “Al-Nasr” is second, and “Al-Ittihad” is sixth.