Events

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi debut postponed due to stadium electric failures

Featured image credit: Al-Nassr FC

Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr has been hit with another delay after his new team’s home stadium was closed due to a storm.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had been pencilled into make his first appearance on Thursday, although it was unclear whether his new club would respect a suspension handed out to the Portuguese forward while he was still at Manchester United.

However, the game was moved back 24 hours to today (Friday) after heavy rainfall led to issues with electricity in the stadium.

Initially, the club suggested there would be a two-hour delay to the start time. Hundreds of staff, including security, chefs and stadium staff were kept outside with the gates before the game was officially postponed.

In a statement, Al Nassr said: ‘Due to heavy rain and weather conditions impacting the stadium’s electricity, we have been officially informed that tonight’s match against Al Ta’i is postponed for 24 hours. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to fans and wish everyone safe travels.”

Al-Nassr play at Mrsool Park, also known as King Saud University Stadium, which opened in 2015 and was renovated in 2020.

Ronaldo, formerly with Real Madrid and Juventus, signed for the Saudi Arabian club after being released by Manchester United in November. He will reportedly earn more than €400m over the course of his two-and-a-half year contract.

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