Just weeks ago, Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr appeared to be out of contention for the next edition of the AFC Champions League due to their standing in the 2024–25 Saudi Pro League. But in a dramatic turn, a key ruling by the Saudi Sports Arbitration Centre has handed Ronaldo a major lifeline.
On Friday, May 16, Al Nassr were held to a 1–1 draw by Al Taawoun on Matchday 32 — a result that seemingly dashed their hopes of finishing second in the league, which guarantees qualification for the AFC Champions League. With just one game remaining, the odds looked slim. However, a last-minute administrative decision has breathed new life into their campaign.
The Saudi Sports Arbitration Centre ruled in favor of Al Nassr in a dispute stemming from their February 28 loss to Al Orobah. The club had lodged a formal complaint alleging that Orobah goalkeeper Rafi Al Ruwaili was ineligible to play, citing that he was not fully released from his employment outside of soccer — a requirement under league regulations.
As a result of the ruling, Al Nassr were retroactively awarded a 3–0 win, flipping the previous 2–1 defeat. Al Orobah were also docked points, a blow that effectively relegates them to the second division.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation confirmed the finality of the decision with a brief statement: “The Arbitration for Sport Centre issues its decision on Al Nassr’s appeal. Accepting Al Nassr’s appeal is a final and binding decision for all parties, and is not subject to appeal”
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What needs to happen for Al Nassr to qualify for the AFC Champions League?
Following the point adjustment, Al Nassr now sit third in the league table with 70 points from 33 matches — just two points behind second-place Al Hilal, who hold the final AFC Champions League qualifying spot. While the path is narrow, Ronaldo and Al Nassr are not out of the race just yet.
To secure qualification, Al Nassr must beat Al Fateh on Matchday 34 and hope Al Hilal either draw or lose against fourth-placed Al Qadsiah. If both teams finish level on points at 73, head-to-head record will be the tiebreaker — not goal difference.
In their two league meetings this season, Al Hilal and Al Nassr drew 1–1 in the first leg, while Ronaldo scored a brace in a 3–1 win in the return fixture. That head-to-head advantage could prove decisive in the final standings, as Ronaldo could be living his last minutes wearing the Al Nassr shirt.
