Soccer star Ronaldo poised to end his boycott of Saudi Pro League

Saudi team owners and soccer fans are waiting breathlessly to discover whether reports are correct that Cristiano Ronaldo will end his two-match boycott this coming weekend amid disputes with his Al-Nassr football club and league officials.

The Riyadh team’s star Portuguese captain, who is paid $235 million a year, plans to return for Al-Nassr’s Feb. 14 match against Al-Fateh, ESPN reports. 

Ronaldo’s grievances revolve around the role of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in team affairs and comparisons with rival clubs’ transfer activity, according to the sports broadcaster.

In a statement last week, the Saudi Pro League said that any problems Ronaldo and other players have must be resolved with their individual teams.

“Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance,” the league said.

Ronaldo has played 22 games this season, scoring 18 goals and providing three assists as Al-Nassr sits in second in the Saudi Pro League, one point behind leader Al-Hilal.