Former Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Daiea has launched a fierce attack on the Saudi Football Federation’s Disciplinary Committee, slamming their decision to punish Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo.
In a video statement that has gone viral, the legendary shot-stopper did not hold back his anger. He accused the committee of inconsistency and double standards in their rulings.
The controversy stems from the punishment handed to Ronaldo following Al-Nassr’s match against Al-Shabab on February 17, 2026. The Portuguese superstar was sanctioned for an alleged obscene gesture directed at opposition fans during the game.
Al-Daiea questioned why the committee acted so swiftly in Ronaldo’s case while ignoring what he described as more serious incidents involving other players. He pointed to several cases where players made offensive gestures or engaged in unsportsmanlike conduct but received no punishment.
“Why this speed and severity only with Ronaldo?” Al-Daiea asked in the video. “We see players doing worse things every week, and nothing happens. But when it comes to Cristiano, the committee suddenly remembers its duties.”
The former Al-Hilal icon also referenced a specific incident involving an Al-Shabab player who he claimed made an offensive gesture during the same match. According to Al-Daiea, that player faced no disciplinary action whatsoever.
“This is not about defending Ronaldo,” Al-Daiea continued. “This is about fairness. Either apply the rules to everyone equally, or stop pretending you are protecting the game’s image.”
The Disciplinary Committee has not yet responded to Al-Daiea’s comments. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has accepted the punishment but maintained his innocence through his legal representatives.
The case has sparked widespread debate across Saudi football circles, with many fans and pundits echoing Al-Daiea’s concerns about selective enforcement of disciplinary regulations.
