First problem in Saudi Arabia! Asian Champions League does not allow more foreigners in the team

A few years ago, China’s strategy of bringing in foreign players failed. Why? Because the local football association intervened with a cap on the number of foreign players. The reason was supposed to be the development of the younger generation. Saudi Arabia now faces a similar problem.

It seemed to be a problem-free period, clubs are buying foreign players, the level of the Saudi league has risen incredibly in the last two months. Neymar, Kanté, Benzema and others have arrived. The clubs have no regulations regarding registration.

Apparently the country has learned from the Chinese mistake that led to a halt in the number of players coming from Europe. This is because most players had no desire to play alongside Chinese players who do not have the necessary quality. The plans were also thwarted, of course, by salary caps, which are far from happening in Saudi Arabia.

But an unexpected problem has emerged. Al-Nassr will play the Asian Champions League preliminary round against Al-Ahli Dubai today (22 August). Everything looked trouble-free until the players had to register. In fact, the Asian Champions League has a pretty substantial rule for player registration. Clubs can only register 5 foreigners who are not citizens of a member country (China, Saudi Arabia, …).

The club, which is being dragged by Cristiano Ronaldo, has reportedly already decided which players it will register. It should have been Ronaldo, Mané, Brozovic, Fofana and Alex Telles, of course. Wondering who’s missing from the list? Anderson Talisca. The Brazilian who was even nominated for the national team for the first time in his career a few days ago.

It will surprise no one that the offensive player was not happy about this and is determined to terminate his contract with the club if he is not registered. However, in the last few days, Al-Nassr signed Laporte and Otávio, neither of whom qualify for nationality. This means that either the new reinforcements will only play in the league or replace one of the aforementioned on the roster.

The Asian Champions League may not have the prestige of the European one, but it’s still the most prestigious club competition in Asia. Even though the biggest stars will be measured against each other in the Saudi Arabian league, they will want to have comparisons with other clubs, and how can they have comparisons when only five of them can start.

The problem starts with Talisca in Al-Nassr, but it could spread. Al-Hilal have signed more than 5 players from Europe and none of them have Asian citizenship? I wonder who the club will cut? Neymar, Koulibaly, Malcom, or Mitrovic (the list of players doesn’t end there)? There is no way any of these players will accept that. They all want to play Champions League.

In the next few days and weeks, we may see a few players leave without actually making any mention in Saudi Arabia. A country that has caused a few shocks to European fans can only hope that more problems will not be forthcoming.

Source: AFC Champions League