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Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr FC gestures against Al-Raed FC during their SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 Match. Credit: Imago
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Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr FC gestures against Al-Raed FC during their SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 Match. Credit: Imago
The summer transfer window has witnessed Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr making waves with their ambitious signings. Building on their acquisition of global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo last year, the club has spared no expense in strengthening their squad. Seeking to avoid a repeat of the trophyless season they endured with Ronaldo, Al-Nassr made some significant additions to their roster. However, a major setback has hit the club in relation to their recent signings, as another FIFA ban has been imposed.
The transfer window has proven to be a rocky road for Al-Nassr. Prior to this latest ban, FIFA had already banned the club from making any signings. This was due to outstanding debts related to Ahmed Musa’s move to Al-Nassr from Leicester City back in 2018. The club was required to pay a hefty $514,000 to the English side in order to have the ban lifted. Unfortunately, the troubles for Al-Nassr have not ended there.
Cristiano Ronaldo will not be able to play alongside his new teammates
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Al-Nassr, known for making a splash in the transfer market, secured the services of three high-profile players: Seko Fofana, Marcelo Brozovic, and Alex Telles. However, FIFA decided to impose yet another penalty on the club, preventing them from registering these signings.
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ESP: Al Nassr-Benfica. Algarve Cup Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr during the Algarve Cup match, between Al Nassr and Benfica played at Algarve Stadium on July 20 2023 in Faro, Spain. kpng Copyright: xAntonioxPozox/xPressinphotox PS_230720_168
This restriction came as a result of penalties issued by both FIFA and the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport). Consequently, Fofana, Brozovic, and Telles will be unable to represent Al-Nassr in the upcoming Arab Championship.
🚨🚨🚨 || الرياضية :
نادي #النصر لا يزال ممنوع من تسجيل لاعبينه الجدد وبذلك لن يشاركون في البطولة العربية.
• 'بروزوفيتش، فوفانا، تيليس' لن يُشاركون في البطولة بسبب المنع الصادر من الـفيفا. pic.twitter.com/4kDl2Nc0cB
— كورة | #النصر 🦁 (@9NFCBALL) July 25, 2023
This sudden turn of events is undoubtedly a massive blow to the club. These star players possess the caliber and experience crucial for success in such a highly competitive tournament.
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Moreover, their absence from the squad will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge for the Portuguese striker to secure his first trophy with the team.
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Sport Bilder des Tages RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 22. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr reacts after a shot at goal. During the Saudi Pro League between Al Nassr and Al-Ittifaq Club. At Mrsool Park Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo by Khalid Alhaj/MB Media SPO. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY. Copyright: xKhalidxAlhaj/MBxMediax
The situation also places problems to sign any more players like Bayern Munich star, Sadio Mane, who has been heavily rumored to be joining the Saudi side. Given these circumstances, the upcoming Arab Championship promises to be a challenging journey for Al-Nassr. The team will have to rely heavily on their existing squad, including Cristiano Ronaldo, to compensate for the absence of their new signings.
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What are your thoughts on this ban? Let us know in the comments.