Ronaldo goal controversy awaits referee evidence before Saudi ruling

The disputed goal credited to Cristiano Ronaldo for Al Nassr against Al Faisaly will be reviewed by the Saudi Pro League Compliance Committee, which has declined to rely solely on the Referees Committee’s report.

Tariq Kayal, the compliance committee chairman, said the panel was waiting for an official statement from match referee Abdullah Al-Owaidan before deciding who should be recorded as the scorer.

The incident occurred during the 11th round of the Roshn Saudi League, with uncertainty over whether Ronaldo made the decisive touch or whether the ball entered the net accidentally off Al Faisaly defender Andre Girotto.

Kayal told Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiah that the committee would examine all reports linked to the incident. The referee’s statement was expected on Monday, after which the committee would determine how the goal should be registered and submit its decision to the Saudi Pro League for formal approval.

He refused to disclose the contents of the Referees Committee’s report or confirm which player was currently listed as the scorer in the official records.

Kayal said the Compliance Committee’s ruling would be final and could not be appealed. Neither a club nor any other party would have the right to challenge the decision.

The committee’s Monday meeting will also consider reports from the previous round, including those submitted by media coordinators, match coordinators and stadium managers. Any breaches identified will be dealt with under the relevant regulations.

Al Nassr are scheduled to play Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League Elite on 26 October 2026, while Abha face Al Faisaly in the Roshn Saudi League on 27 October 2026.

Kayal also revealed that the committee had issued several decisions since the start of the season which had not been made public. He said every ruling was taken only after the committee was fully convinced it was correct and without regard to club loyalties or personal preferences.

He cited Al Ahli as an example, saying they were the club to have received the highest number of fines issued by the committee since the beginning of the season.