RFU Announces Karasev to Referee Al-Nasr versus Al-Ahly in Saudi Pro League Match
The Russian Football Union has confirmed that referee Sergei Karasev will officiate the Saudi Pro League clash between Al-Nasr and Al-Ahly, a match that features Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The announcement was issued through the RFU’s communications channel and provided additional context about the event being held in Saudi Arabia under the current league schedule. The confirmation underscores Karasev’s role in directing high-profile fixtures abroad, highlighting the international travel and coordination involved in major domestic competitions.
According to the RFU, Karasev has been invited to Saudi Arabia to oversee the national championship encounter between Al-Nasr and Al-Ahly, scheduled for September 13. The match is set to kick off at 9:00 p.m. local time, with Moscow time noted for reference. The timing details emphasize the global nature of the fixture and how international broadcasts and fan engagement will be aligned across time zones for audiences tracking the event from Russia and elsewhere.
historically, the movement of Russian referees outside national and European competitions has been shaped by broader sanctions and governance decisions. In spring 2022, FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia’s national team and all Russian clubs from participation in competitions overseen by those bodies. This meant that Russian referees who had previously officiated European matches paused their duties in these events as well. These changes reverberated throughout the footballing ecosystem, altering how Russian officiating talent is integrated into international tournaments and high-level club fixtures.
Since February 2022, Russian clubs have not taken part in European competitions, and the Russian national team has not contested World Cup qualification matches since that period. The evolution of the international football landscape during this time reshaped opportunities for Russian football authorities, players, and referees to participate in global events under different organizational alignments. Observers note that such shifts impact fixture scheduling, player mobility, and the broader narratives around international competition.
On January 2, 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nasr in Saudi Arabia under a contract reported to be worth €200 million per year. This deal reportedly included additional bonuses for Ronaldo and his family, reflecting the trend of high-profile signings in the region as leagues seek to raise competitive standards and global appeal. Ronaldo’s move followed a discharge of duties with Manchester United after a lengthy period of tension with manager Erik ten Hag, marking a notable transition in the forward’s storied career. Analysts have highlighted Ronaldo’s presence as a catalyst for attracting fans, sponsorships, and international media attention to the club and the league.
Ronaldo’s status continues to influence discussions about Ballon d’Or prospects, with pundits frequently revisiting the forward’s potential to add more accolades to a career already defined by extraordinary achievements. The dynamics around individual awards, team performance, and leadership on the field remain central to assessments of Ronaldo’s ongoing impact in Saudi football and beyond. For supporters and analysts, the narrative blends star power with the evolving competitive landscape of the Saudi Pro League as teams chase domestic success and greater regional visibility.