Khaberni - The announcement of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo owning 25% of Almeria's shares sparked widespread controversy in Spanish sports circles, and raised a direct question: can Ronaldo play in the future with the club of which he owns a part of the shares?
The amendments included in the regulations of the Spanish Football Federation since February 2025, alongside the provisions of the Sports Law issued by the Spanish Sports Council, prevent any direct commercial relationship between active players and the competitions they participate in within the country.
These rules aim to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure the integrity of the competition. According to them, a professional player owning a share in a club regulated by the same competition may constitute a legal conflict that prevents him from registering and participating in the championship.
"Anti-Pique Law"
The roots of these amendments date back to controversy sparked years ago regarding Gerard Pique, former FC Barcelona player, after one of his companies brokered a deal with the Spanish Football Federation to move the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.
At the time, there were suspicions of a conflict of interest, especially since Pique was an active player when the agreement with the federation, then chaired by Luis Rubiales, was signed. Consequently, regulatory amendments were introduced to tighten restrictions on players' commercial relationships with organizing entities of competitions.
Is the door closed for Ronaldo?
Ronaldo, linked by contract to Saudi club Al Nassr until June 2027, entered the world of sports investment before the curtain closed on his professional career, potentially facing a legal dilemma should he wish to return to Spanish fields as a player.
In light of the current regulations, Ronaldo playing in the Spanish league wearing an Almeria shirt seems unlikely as long as he remains an active player and owner of a part of the club. However, if he officially retires before any similar move, the legal equation may change.
Between investment and professionalism, Ronaldo finds himself in front of a delicate equation governed by explicit legal texts, making his potential return to Spanish fields in his club's shirt complicated at present.
