CORNERFLICK
Reports in Spain and England say security concerns in Saudi Arabia have left some foreign players thinking about a temporary exit, with Cristiano Ronaldo also named in the speculation.
Matches moved after airport closures
The claims follow missile and drone attacks that led to airport closures and flight cancellations, with Saudi league organisers postponing fixtures involving Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Ahli. The Saudi Professional League moved the Al Nassr v Al Ahli match to the end of December.
Officials have said the changes were driven by logistics, closed air routes and the clubs’ reluctance to take an 11-hour bus journey. AS said it had spoken to unnamed players who admitted they were considering leaving the country.
Wider sporting schedule under pressure
The unrest has also raised questions over events due in Saudi Arabia in 2027, including the Dakar Rally in January and the AFC Asian Cup in January and February.
Al Nassr played Uzbek side FC Nasaf on Monday night in the AFC Champions League Elite, but kick-off was delayed by an hour because of the security situation in Riyadh. Ronaldo scored his 981st career goal in that match and later spoke in support of Saudi Arabia, even as reports continued to suggest he is among those weighing up their options.