Cristiano Ronaldo was officially unveiled as an Al-Nassr player on Tuesday in front of a packed Mrsool Park. Amidst much fanfare, the superstar was expected to make his debut on Thursday, January 5, against Al-Ta’i. However, an unfortunate incident has occurred. The match between Al-Nassr and Al-Ta’i has been postponed by 24 hours due to heavy rainfall and technical issues.
Al-Nassr’s official account tweeted: “Due to heavy rain and weather conditions impacting the stadium’s electricity, we have been officially informed that tonight’s match against Al Ta’i is postponed for 24 hours. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to fans and wish everyone safe travels.”
Due to heavy rain and weather conditions impacting the stadium’s electricity, we have been officially informed that tonight’s match against Al Ta’i is postponed for 24 hours.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused to fans and wish everyone safe travels. https://t.co/TKIOQK8Oqo
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) January 5, 2023
According to the Daily Mail, chefs, officials, and fans were among other people who stood outside the locked gates bewildered. There was no official announcement until very late. The cancellation comes after their blockbuster signing in which they are spending around $200 million a year.
Was Cristiano Ronaldo going to make his debut on Thursday?
Ronaldo’s debut for Al-Nassr was doubtful due to many reasons. One was his match fitness. The other is a bit more controversial. Before his Manchester United contract was mutually terminated, it was confirmed in November, that the English FA handed him a two-match suspension and around $60,000 fine.
After United’s 1-0 loss to Everton on April 9, Ronaldo was filmed slapping a boy’s phone out of his hand. He was also cautioned by the police for his actions.
However, the Saudi Pro League side never made any comments regarding this. Fresh reports suggest that Al-Nassr was keen on capitalizing on the huge media attention surrounding the 37-year-old’s unveiling. Thousands of Al-Nassr fans were waiting in their blue and yellow colors to see Ronaldo in action. However, they must now wait at least another 24 hours to discover if he will play in the first game.
The two-game ban by the English FA on Cristiano Ronaldo for smashing an Everton fan phone will still take effect in the Saudi’s league.
This will affect Ronaldo’s debut tomorrow for Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/LKWb65r4Lq
— Nana Kwesi Eshun (@_NanaCwesi_) January 4, 2023
According to The Mail’s sources, there was a 15 percent chance that Ronaldo would make his debut on Thursday against Al-Ta’i at Mrsool Park in the Saudi Pro League in front of a sell-out crowd. Despite the ban on Ronaldo being issued by the FA, which is an authority in England, the two-match suspension must be adhered to worldwide due to FIFA rules.
If Ronaldo and Al-Nassr were to ignore his ban, it would land the club and the player in further hot water. It might even lead to them potentially facing even stronger punishment. However, it is reported that Al-Nassr chiefs are looking for a loophole. It would help them avoid losing their blockbuster signing for two games.
Discussion about this post