Al Nassr said Ronaldo does not have a clause in his contract to support Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid

Jan 11 (Reuters) – Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr have denied reports that Cristiano Ronaldo has a clause in his contract that would require the Portuguese forward to act as an ambassador for the Gulf nation’s 2030 World Cup.

Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr last month after signing a 2-1/2-year deal that the media estimated was worth more than 200 million euros ($210 million).

According to media reports, Ronaldo, 37, would be paid another 200 million euros to support Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid.

“Al Nassr FC would like to clarify that, contrary to news reports, Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr does not include commitments to any World Cup competitions,” the club said in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

“His main focus is on Al Nassr and working with his teammates to help the club achieve success.”

The window to submit bids to host the 2030 World Cup opened last year, and the winner will be chosen at the FIFA Congress in 2024.

The 2026 World Cup will be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament has been shared between three different countries.

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Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing: Bradley Perrett

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