Match Postponed; Cristiano Ronaldo Won’t Play Tonight: Here’s Why

On Monday at 7:15 p.m., Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr was scheduled to play against Al-Wasl in the third matchday of the Asian Champions League, but the game was postponed. The relevant authorities have not yet announced a new date for the match.

According to Gulf News, the reason is related to logistical difficulties encountered by Al-Wasl in traveling to Riyadh. The Dubai-based soccer club, from the United Arab Emirates, was unable to organize the trip, and the match was therefore postponed.

Here is the official statement released by the SAFF, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation: “With regard to the decision by the AFC Competitions Committee to postpone the match between the Saudi team Al-Nassr FC and the United Arab Emirates team Al-Wasl FC, valid for the group stage of the 2026–2027 AFC Champions League, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) wishes to clarify the following: SAFF, in coordination with Al-Nassr FC and the relevant authorities, has completed all necessary procedures and arrangements to host the Al-Wasl FC delegation.”

“This includes the issuance of flight permits, the provision of all organizational and logistical requirements, and official notification to the AFC. The SAFF has also coordinated with the United Arab Emirates Football Association and Al-Wasl FC, informing them that all arrangements had been finalized and that the delegation was ready to be received.”

“Furthermore, the match commissioner and the designated refereeing team arrived in Riyadh in advance, in preparation for the match that was scheduled to take place as planned, confirming the completion of all arrangements to host the match.”

“In this context, the SAFF reaffirms its full support for Al-Nassr FC and all Saudi clubs participating in international competitions, as well as its willingness to provide all necessary support and assistance in any legal action undertaken by the clubs to protect their rights,” the statement concludes.