Cristiano Ronaldo is set to miss the AFC Champions League. The AFC currently finds itself embroiled in a potential legal quagmire over its decision to permit multi-club ownership. This move appears to be in direct contravention of its own established regulations. The controversy surrounding multi-club ownership within the AFC has raised eyebrows in Asian soccer circles. On the positive side, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Nadal‘s collaborative ‘hospitality’ project has finally become a reality.
This contentious issue stems from the participation of three Saudi Arabian clubs in the 2023-24 Asian Champions League. The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) owning a commanding 75% stake in three major Saudi clubs is what’s caused the problem.
Rafael Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo open a new restaurant in Valencia
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Rafa Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo, renowned figures in the world of sports, have ventured into the restaurant industry through Tatel. The Mabel Hospitality Group operates the restaurant concept Tatel. The opening of a new branch in Valencia marks another milestone in Tatel’s expansion journey. The Valencia branch will add to Tatel’s existing branches in prominent locations, such as Ibiza, Beverly Hills, Doha, and Madrid. The Valencia branch will welcome its first guests on September 22, as per Levante-EMV.
The new branch will occupy approximately 600 square meters within the historic Valencia Stock Exchange building. The interior design of Tatel draws inspiration from clandestine American establishments of the Prohibition era in the 1920s. Ronaldo would not be able to enjoy the celebrations with the looming danger of losing out on playing at the top level. With the kind of professionalism and competitiveness Ronaldo enjoys, the exit of Al Nassr from the AFC can come as a heartbreak for the Los Blancos icon. But what exactly did happen?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Al Nassr facing a possible exit from the AFC Champions League
Al Nassr’s potential exit from the AFC Champions League comes due to a violation of the AFC’s ownership regulations. The Saudi club’s significant stake is held by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), which exceeds the permissible 30% limit based on revenue, putting them in direct contravention of AFC guidelines. This breach leaves Al Nassr at risk of expulsion from the tournament, casting doubt over their participation in one of Asia’s premier soccer competitions.
The AFC’s stringent club licensing regulations forbid owners from maintaining a majority of shareholders’ voting rights in multiple clubs. The reason behind this is that these clubs may be competing within the same competition. Al Nassr’s affiliation with other PIF-owned clubs in the tournament, including Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, compounds their predicament. As Al Nassr grapples with these ownership-related dilemmas, the AFC finds itself under mounting pressure to address these violations. The AFC’s response will decide Al Nassr’s fate.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space