Overview
- Citing global exposure, Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad told Al-Arabiya that Cristiano Ronaldo is the only foreign player in the Saudi Pro League who justifies his pay, widely reported at about $211 million a year.
- He warned Saudi players have become “extras” since clubs were allowed eight foreigners on matchdays and urged cutting the number to seven.
- He pressed for stronger youth development pathways and the hiring of elite coaches for junior age groups to rebuild the domestic talent pool.
- He proposed scheduling marquee matches on Thursdays to attract top European referees, noting his prior tenure included appointing Howard Webb to raise officiating standards.
- His remarks sharpen scrutiny of wage inflation and squad composition as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 World Cup.