Cristiano Ronaldo's start to life in Saudi Arabia has already faced a number of setbacks and his debut could now be delayed further as it has emerged that the former Manchester United forward cannot be registered.
The Portuguese international has joined Al-Nassr following the cancellation of his United contract back in November, joining a number of players who used to play in the European leagues. This is what has now emerged as the latest setback, with too many foreign players currently on the books at the club meaning that the 37-year-old cannot be registered yet.
Saudi Pro League rules state that clubs are allowed to register a maximum of eight foreign players and seven are allowed in a matchday squad. Al-Nassr already have eight on their books.
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He has signed a lucrative reported £175million-a-year deal to join the club, joining a host of recognisable names who formerly played in Europe and on the international stage. Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina, Cameroon striker and ex-Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo are all on the books at the club at present.
The need for one foreign player to leave has been confirmed by an unnamed Al-Nassr official, who told AFP: "Al Nassr has not registered him yet because there is no vacancy for a foreign player. A foreign player must leave to register Ronaldo, either by selling or by terminating the contract by mutual consent."
The latest setback comes with Ronaldo still having to serve a two match ban which was handed to him before leaving United for slapping and Everton fan's phone out of their hand at the end of last season. This ban remains in place even after his first match was postponed, with the Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Tai FC, scheduled for Friday, called off due to electrical faults.
It means Ronaldo faces a longer wait to make his debut in the Middle East. After joining Al-Nassr, he said: "I gave my word for this club. I won everything, I played for the most important clubs in Europe and now it is a new challenge in Asia."
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