Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the first leg of the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match against Esteghlal, scheduled to take place in Iran.
The decision to exclude Ronaldo from the squad was made by Al-Nassr’s board, citing concerns over the player’s safety.
This decision follows a turbulent trip to Tehran last season, where the team’s bus was blocked by protesters, leading to a seven-year travel ban preventing Saudi Arabian citizens from entering Iran.
The club’s decision highlights significant security risks associated with holding the match in Tehran and the protective measures taken to safeguard Ronaldo.
Before the match, Al-Nassr officially requested that the game be played at a neutral venue instead of Tehran.
They cited player safety concerns as the primary reason for their request, referring to the substantial disruptions caused by protests during the team’s last visit to Tehran.
However, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) rejected Al-Nassr’s request, stating that the match would be held under the highest security measures, ensuring the safety of all involved.
Despite AFC’s assurances, Al-Nassr ultimately decided to leave Cristiano Ronaldo out of the squad for the trip to Iran.
This precautionary measure prioritizes his safety, considering past incidents and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
