Al-Nassr’s Transfer Ban Lifted by FIFA, Providing Major Boost to Ronaldo’s Title Ambitions

Key Takeaways:

• FIFA removed Al-Nassr’s transfer ban just days after its announcement, enabling new player registrations for the imminent January window
• Al-Nassr’s previous embargo resulted from an unpaid €9 million instalment to Manchester City for the August 2023 transfer of Aymeric Laporte
• The club currently leads the Saudi Pro League in the 2025-26 season with a flawless nine-match record and a four-point margin over Al-Hilal

Transfer Ban Lifted as FIFA Confirms Compliance

Al-Nassr have received a significant boost for their Saudi Pro League title push after FIFA lifted a recently imposed transfer restriction. World football’s governing body had included the Riyadh-based side on its list of clubs prohibited from registering new players for multiple transfer windows, but confirmed their removal from the sanctioned group only days later.

Fabrizio Romano reported on social media: “IFA verdict today confirms Al-Nassr’s full compliance with rules as the registration ban has been permanently lifted. The case is closed, key news for Al-Nassr ahead of 2026 plans for the club.”

🚨🟡🔵 FIFA verdict today confirms Al Nassr’s full compliance with rules as the registration ban has been permanently lifted.

The case is closed, key news for Al Nassr ahead of 2026 plans for the club. 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/SWOXT31wmh

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 22, 2025

Details Behind Al-Nassr’s Transfer Embargo

While the precise reasoning for Al-Nassr’s sanction was not officially disclosed, Al Riyadhiya indicated the club faced punishment for failing to pay an agreed instalment related to Aymeric Laporte’s transfer from Manchester City in August 2023. Manchester City were reportedly expecting €9 million (£8m/$11m) on 31 August, but did not receive payment as scheduled.

This incident echoes a previous ban in July 2023, which followed the club’s failure to remit nearly £390,000 in performance-related bonuses to Leicester City relating to Ahmed Musa’s 2018 move. On that occasion, Al-Nassr settled the outstanding amount by paying close to €2 million before FIFA lifted their embargo.

Saudi Pro League Impacts and Market Implications

Al-Nassr’s ability to sign new players ahead of the January window is particularly well-timed for Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains in pursuit of domestic honours following his January 2023 arrival. New additions to the squad will be eligible for registration as the winter transfer period opens, providing extra depth as the club battles to maintain their advantage atop the table.

Several other Saudi Pro League teams, including Al-Riyadh, Al-Shabab, and Al-Wehda, remain under multi-window registration embargoes.

Ronaldo’s Pursuit of Silverware and Individual Honours

Since joining Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup but encountered frustration in both domestic and continental tournaments. He has scored 11 goals in 12 matches across all competitions this term and continues to add to his tally of 110 goals for Al-Nassr. Ronaldo aims for further silverware as he seeks to enhance a decorated CV and approaches the milestone of 1,000 career goals.

As captain of Portugal, he is poised to feature at next summer’s World Cup alongside rival Lionel Messi, with prospects of adding to his extraordinary achievements at both club and international level. With the transfer ban no longer restricting recruitment, Al-Nassr will look to strengthen during the upcoming window, supporting Ronaldo’s quest for domestic success in the Saudi Pro League and AFC Cup.

Upcoming Fixtures and League Standing

Al-Nassr currently top the Saudi Pro League table for the 2025-26 season with a perfect record from nine matches and a four-point cushion over Al-Hilal in second place. The club are set to meet Al-Zawraa in AFC Cup action on Wednesday and will return to league play against Al-Akhdoud on 27 December.