Fifa president Gianni Infantino claims discussions are taking place that could allow Cristiano Ronaldo to play at the Club World Cup in the United States this summer.
Ronaldo's Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr failed to qualify for Fifa's revamped flagship club tournament, which will feature 32 teams. Infantino, however, suggested the 40-year-old Portugal striker could sign for one of the teams that has. He did not elaborate whether this would mean a permanent move or a short-term loan, though it's worth noting Fifa has introduced an additional transfer window this summer before the tournament starts on June 14.
Speaking to YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino said: “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup. There are discussions …
“Yeah. Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup, yeah. There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup … who knows, who knows.”
The clip quickly went viral, although, according to reports, Ronaldo and his representatives are unhappy about Infantino's indiscretion while talks with his current employers over a new contract are ongoing.
Fifa, football's governing body, has introduced an additional transfer window this summer, running from June 1 to June 10, to allow clubs competing in the Club World Cup to complete transfers in time for the tournament, which runs between June 14 and July 13 in the United States.
According to a report in Spanish newspaper Marca on Friday, Moroccan club Wydad are interested in signing the legendary forward.
The Spanish outlet revealed Wydad “are hoping to have the Portuguese player for the [2025 FIFA Club World Cup]” to not only increase their chances of making a deep run in the tournament, but also for the “social incentive” and exposure that Ronaldo brings.
Wydad qualified for the newly expanded tournament by winning the 2021/22 CAF Champions League. The Moroccan club are in Group G alongside Manchester City, Juventus and Al Ain.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United mid-season. His contract is due to expire this summer although reports had suggested he was close to agreeing new terms that will also see him take a minority stake in the club.
Despite Nassr missing out on a trophy, the former Real Madrid star has been in fine form this campaign with 34 goals in 40 appearances across competitions.
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The five pillars of Islam
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- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
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The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.
The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.
“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.
“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”
Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.
Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.
“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.
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Other workplace saving schemes
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Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
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