Al-Nassr have sacked their CEO

Vows to take legal action against club

Ronaldo is also yet to commit to an extension

WHAT HAPPENED?

Majed Al-Sorour has announced plans to pursue legal action against the Saudi Pro League club after being sacked from his role as CEO at the start of the week. The controversy comes as Al-Nassr also grapple with the ongoing speculation surrounding Ronaldo's future.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Al-Sorour’s rise in Saudi sports leadership includes key positions at major institutions. He also served as the CEO of Saudi Golf and played a significant role in the country’s efforts to promote the sport globally. Additionally, he was appointed to Newcastle United’s board of directors in May 2022, following the club’s acquisition by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). His time on the board was short-lived, ending in December 2022. In January 2025, Al-Sorour took over as chief executive of Al-Nassr, becoming responsible for overseeing one of the Saudi Pro League’s most high-profile clubs.

WHAT AL-SOROUR SAID

Al-Sorour's removal stems from allegations that he publicly shared inaccurate information regarding the club on social media, which Al-Nassr’s board said was intended to mislead the public.

“Today my services were terminated in a manner that I consider unprofessional, inappropriate and unacceptable,” he said in a statement. “Therefore, a litigation process will begin between me and the management that runs our club.”

Al-Nassr also released a statement, which read: "With reference to what was observed in the tweet attributed to Mr. Majed Mohammed Al-Sorour (via the X platform on June 12, 2025), it contained incorrect information and was an attempt to influence public opinion without relying on documented facts. Accordingly, the Board of Directors of Al-Nassr Club Company would like to clarify the following:

“Reports were received from external and internal parties regarding some of the practices carried out by the CEO. Pursuant to this, the Board of Directors unanimously issued a decision to freeze the powers of CEO Majid bin Mohammed Al-Sarour on May 8, 2025, and to investigate the veracity of the reports.

“The CEO was officially notified, fully aware of the details, and signed a declaration and pledge regarding the suspension of his powers until the completion of these investigations. He also signed a declaration and pledge of confidentiality not to disclose any information related to the company. The CEO (during the investigation period) violated his contractual obligations by posting a tweet from his personal account, damaging the company's reputation on social media platforms. After the Board took all necessary legal measures and granted the CEO the right to defend himself and have his statements heard, the Board of Directors unanimously decided to terminate the contract of the CEO of Al-Nassr Club Company.

“The Board affirms that the CEO has not presented any comprehensive strategic or operational plan since assuming his position in January 2025 that reflects the requirements or aspirations of the current phase. He has also failed to demonstrate sufficient engagement with a number of priority issues, despite his full administrative empowerment and the approval of all his proposals without exception. Al-Nassr Club Company reiterates its commitment to operating in accordance with relevant regulations and the highest standards of governance.”WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

Amid this executive fallout, Al-Nassr’s biggest concern remains the uncertain future of Ronaldo. As per talkSPORT, a source close to the PIF told AFP that efforts to retain the Portuguese were active but difficult.

"There are difficult negotiations underway to convince Ronaldo to stay and (continue) to play," the source said. "The main option was a transfer to Al Hilal, with the opportunity to play in the Club World Cup."

Despite the rumours, Ronaldo is currently enjoying time off after a demanding campaign. He will return for pre-season training in July as Al-Nassr prepare for the 2025–26 campaign, if he agrees to sign an extension. (Goal)