Cristiano Ronaldo warned by Saudi Pro League over transfer protest - ESPN

Cristiano Ronaldo was told by the Saudi Pro League that «no individual — however significant — determines decisions beyond their own club,» amid a dispute over transfer spending.

The Portuguese superstar, who turned 41 on Thursday, is unhappy with Al Nassr's lack of activity in the January transfer window.

Sources have told ESPN that Ronaldo plans to boycott a second straight league game after not receiving a guarantee that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) will make changes regarding the Saudi Pro League club's management.

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However, Al Nassr are expecting Ronaldo to play Friday against Al Ittihad, sources said, after he failed to feature in a match Monday against Al Riyadh.

Ronaldo is unhappy with the PIF for failing to invest in the team in the winter window while rivals Al Hilal — also 75% majority owned by the PIF — brought in his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad.

However, the league issued a statement Thursday evening pointing out the independence of all clubs to manage their finances as they see fit.

«The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: Every club operates independently under the same rules,» a league spokesperson said.

«Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.

»Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club's growth and