FIFA has prohibited Saudi club Al-Nassr from registering new players, effective from December 19, with the ban set to last until lifted. The sanction, likely due to unpaid transfer fees for defender Aymeric Laporte, adds uncertainty to the club's January window plans. This marks the second such ban for Al-Nassr in under two years.
Al-Nassr, the Saudi Pro League club home to Cristiano Ronaldo, faces a fresh transfer ban from FIFA, as announced on the governing body's official register on Friday. The prohibition on registering new players began on December 19 and is listed as active "until lifted," without a specified duration. This ambiguity has raised concerns in Riyadh amid ongoing squad planning for the season's second half.
The ban appears linked to outstanding debts, with reports from Mundo Deportivo indicating unpaid amounts of approximately €9 million to Manchester City for the 2023 transfer of defender Aymeric Laporte. The payment deadline was August 31, and Laporte subsequently moved to Athletic Bilbao last autumn. Speculation also persists about unresolved dues from the earlier signing of Ahmed Musa from Leicester City in 2018, though that issue led to a previous ban resolved swiftly.
This is not Al-Nassr's first encounter with such sanctions. In July 2023, shortly after Ronaldo's arrival, the club was penalized for failing to pay £390,000 in performance-related add-ons to Leicester for Musa, who had joined in a £14 million deal. Al-Nassr settled around €2 million, lifting the ban before it affected multiple windows. Fellow Saudi clubs Al Shabab, Damac, and Al Riyadh are also on FIFA's list.
Despite recruitment challenges, Ronaldo remains central to Al-Nassr's ambitions. The 40-year-old Portuguese forward has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in 12 appearances this season. Teammate Mohamed Simakan praised his influence: "I won't lie to you, what he brings me in terms of discipline, work, and leadership is incredible. Cristiano gives me so much advice."
Ronaldo's contract extends to summer 2027, and he has confirmed the 2026 World Cup as his international swansong. In a CNN interview, he reflected: "Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old. I feel very good... Let's enjoy the moment, live the moment." Al-Nassr's next match is on December 24 against Al-Zawraa in the AFC Champions League Two group stage.
