Ronaldo conspiracy claims hit Saudi Pro League as rival club issues furious statement

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 9 Apr 2026 06:20 CDT
• 6 min read

News

In the last full round of Saudi Pro League fixtures, Al-Nassr found themselves needing inspiration in a tricky match against Al-Najma.

The home side went a goal down thanks to a goal from Rakan Rajeh Altulayhi but managed to turn things around before half-time after Abdullah Al-Hamdan poked home from close range and Sadio Mane found the top corner to make it 2-1.

Al-Najma fought back to make it 2-2 not long after the break and shortly afterwards the most controversial moment of the match took place. Cristiano Ronaldo, from an impossible angle, attempted to score from a free kick near the byline and his shot struck the arm of an opponent, resulting in a penalty.

The player in question was Abdullah Al-Hawsawi and the ball struck the outside of his elbow while his arm was behind his back. There is no way in which he could have avoided this contact.

And, picture this, Ronaldo himself did not even demand a penalty after the incident.

The referee gave it anyway and CR7 scored, while Al-Nassr subsequently added a further two.

Those extra two goals to make it 5-2 did not take away from the fact that Al-Nassr were gifted the lead due to a shocking referee decision and, it is all feeding the conspiracy narrative that the Saudi Pro League and the referees are manufacturing proceedings so that:

1. Al-Nassr can win the league

2. Cristiano Ronaldo can score his 1000th career goal while playing in the Saudi Pro League

Officiating concerns

The standard of refereeing has been an overall concern in the Saudi Pro League this season, with various pundits, managers and players all responding negatively to a raft of decisions on the pitch.

On Wednesday, Al-Ahli, who are involved in a title race with Al-Nassr, suffered damage to their championship ambitions when they only managed a 1-1 draw against Al-Fayha.

Al-Ahli believe they should have been awarded a number of penalties during the game and at least two were waved away by VAR despite the protests of the players.

TONEY JUST SAID THIS… 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

“The referee told us after the match… ‘Focus on the Asian Champions League.’

How does a referee say something like that? His head is somewhere else. I hope it was recorded and gets released.”

Asked who benefits?
Toney: “The team we’re chasing.” pic.twitter.com/eqKfhUBrZb

— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) April 8, 2026

Ivan Toney, who had given his side the lead before they were pegged back, didn't hold back in his appraisal of the officiating.

"Two of these actions went to VAR and one didn’t. It’s actually crazy how you can miss things like this in crucial moments or choose to turn a blind eye," he wrote on social media.

"And without saying too much that may get me in trouble, it’s clear what’s being influenced here!!!

"Also with the referee telling us to concentrate on a different competition whilst VAR is going on is beyond me.

"And to add with the referee agreeing that the first one was a penalty in the 90+ minute like that’s going to help. But listen, I guess I’m probably the bad guy for speaking some truths and pointing out questionable decisions or s*** refereeing."

The draw saw Al-Ahli miss the chance to cut the gap on Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Nassr to two points. Now, they are four points adrift and have played a game more.

The club, too, released a statement condemning the poor refereeing"

"Al Ahli Club Company expresses its deep dissatisfaction with the refereeing errors that affected today's match of the first football team against Al Fayha in Round 29 of the Saudi Roshn League. The referee's decisions had a direct impact on the flow of the game and its final outcome, which in turn affected the team's position in the title race.

"Such errors raise legitimate concerns regarding the referee selection process and the criteria applied, particularly given the high technical and competitive level of the Saudi Roshn League. The team has faced unfair refereeing decisions, an unacceptable situation that neither serves the development of the competition nor upholds the principle of competitive fairness, which must be the foundation of any successful tournament.

"Al-Ahli Club Company calls for access to the recordings and communications between the referees and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), as well as their interactions with the team's players during the match. It also requests clear explanations for all refereeing incidents where decisions were not correctly made.

"In closing, Al Ahli Club Company reaffirms its confidence in the commitment of the relevant authorities to safeguarding the integrity of the competition and taking the necessary practical steps that reflect the high standing the Saudi Roshn League has reached."

If you don’t understand what’s happening in Saudi League, players are accusing the league of rigging it so bad, so that Ronaldo could win the league.

If you watched Al Nassr’s last game and you see the penalty given, you’ll further understand.

There’s also been many wrong… https://t.co/NzsXMdZK8g

— TobyWrites (@tobyasky) April 9, 2026

Since moving to the Saudi Pro League and becoming the highest-paid athlete on planet earth, Ronaldo is yet to deliver a title for the club.

Remarkably, the Portuguese superstar actually went on strike earlier this season and refused to play or take part in training. His feelings were that other Pro League sides were being given preferential treatment by the Public Investment Fund.

The PIF owns Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad and Ronaldo believed that they did not adequately spend enough on Al-Nassr in the transfer window.

The situation became exacerbated when Karim Benzema jumped ship from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, thus boosting the latter's title chances.

Conspiracy theorists say that the Pro League is desperate to keep Ronaldo due to his global appeal and want Al-Nassr to succeed so that CR7 sticks around, hence the succession of questionable decisions in favour of the club and against their championship rivals.

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