Cristiano Ronaldo and his Al Nassr team have been handed an unexpected last minute boost and now the Riyadh team can still qualify for the Asian Champions League next season.
A last minute decision has gone their way ahead of Monday’s final round of league games and with the additional unexpected three points, Al Nassr are back in contention for the remaining Champions League spot.
Al Nassr managed to prove to the Saudi Sports Arbitration Center that on the day of their loss to Al Orobah (2-1, on Matchday 23), Al Orobah’s number 2 goalkeeper, Rafi Al Ruwaili, was not registered in accordance with the regulations to participate in the match. At the start of the season, he was still officially working as a police officer and had failed to fulfil the league’s required documentation.
The case was initially closed due to lack of evidence, but was reopened at Al Nassr’s request and was eventually ruled in their favor yesterday. With the additional three points finally added, Nassr now have 70 points, just two behind Al Hilal, who now have a Champions Elite spot. Al Qadsiah drops to fourth place with 68 points. A situation that makes Monday’s matchday crucial.
Al Hilal are second with 72 points and a win against Michel’s Al Qadsiah in the final game would put them in the Champions League, alongside Benzema’s Al Ittihad, champions of the Saudi league, and Al Ahli, winners of the 2025 Asian Champions League.
It won’t be an easy match as Al Qadsiah are also in with a chance playing to participate in the Asian Champions League 2 (like the Europa League) if they manage to finish third.
However, Cristiano is clinging to his new opportunity with Al Nassr having a better head-to-head with Al Hilal if they are tied on points. A win for Al Nassr in their away match against Al Fateh (12th in the table) and a slip-up (draw or defeat) for Al Hilal would work wonders for Al Nassr’s team. Cristiano believes the Champions League is still possible and that possibility is in the hands of Michel, Nacho and company.
Davichi
152
If you can't get the points on the field of play, get it through the court. 😂🤣 Imagine that, they couldn't win against a police officer in the goalpost but had to go to court to get the 3 points. 🤦 We all know that Al Hilal will still top them and Al Ittihad crowned champions.
Joshwill1123
111
Look at who is getting favored by fifa 😂
bamadiloty
80
Money effect, hook and crook to get Ronaldo a trophy
fuceilpry
67
flopnaldo
yoydeklntz
32
So, Ronaldo couldn't win against a GK who is an official Policeman but borrowed to keep the post?
Poyaekstuz
27
what a league! Police league
AJAMESLAST
22
Am sorry for him. But he’s old shaa. I can’t really play in police league
danbciknsy
13
I thought 🤔 they said their league is better than League 1 talk less of the MLS ... But they have professional police officers in their starting elevens 🤡🤡🤡
akpovike
10
If you can't get the points on the field of play, get it through the court. 😂🤣 Imagine that, they couldn't win against a police officer in the goalpost but had to go to court to get the 3 points. 🤦 We all know that Al Hilal will still top them and Al Ittihad crowned champions.
and why did your club contend the deregister of olmo and victor in court? mugu
BiIIyDedon
9
If you can't get the points on the field of play, get it through the court. 😂🤣 Imagine that, they couldn't win against a police officer in the goalpost but had to go to court to get the 3 points. 🤦 We all know that Al Hilal will still top them and Al Ittihad crowned champions.
if
Zoecknpryz
8
this is twisted...I suspect they only trying to favour c ronaldo. nobody ever heard about this case then all of a sudden from nowhere, they decided that the player was ineligible, then the only punishment they could give the defaulting team is to hand Al Nasser extra 3 points! something's fishy!