Cristiano Ronaldo faces salary deductions and suspension, with potential unilateral contract termination and compensation claims from the club.

Benzema’s move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Nassr has altered the title race in this season’s Saudi Pro League. In his first match for Al-Nassr, he scored three goals and added an assist. Ronaldo, who played alongside Benzema at Real Madrid, recognizes his striking ability, prompting Ronaldo to boycott matches in protest against the PIF. Ronaldo has skipped two league games so far, which might bring serious consequences.

According to the latest report from the Arabic media outlet "winwin," players who boycott matches in the Saudi Pro League will face penalties including salary deductions, suspensions, and even unilateral contract termination by clubs along with demands for compensation from the players.

The foreign media explained that in Saudi football, penalties for refusing to participate include partial salary deductions and suspensions lasting from one to six months. The harshest punishment is unilateral contract termination by the club, requiring the player to pay substantial compensation for breach of contract. Ronaldo has already boycotted two rounds; if a player publicly resists and boycotts for more than 15 days, the club may impose the ultimate penalty: contract termination plus compensation claims.

Ronaldo’s annual salary at Al-Nassr reaches €208 million. Having already started the boycott, Ronaldo is now in a difficult position. Media predict he will likely return in the next Saudi Pro League round. As a superstar, Ronaldo cannot afford a long-term boycott, or else Al-Nassr might unilaterally terminate his contract and demand heavy compensation. Of course, Portuguese media will offer a different narrative since Ronaldo is a shareholder in some Portuguese outlets, so their reports should be taken with caution.

We await to see if Ronaldo will play in the upcoming Saudi Pro League round. Do you think Ronaldo will continue his boycott?