Saudi Arabia may bend its laws which disallow non-married couples to co-habit for Al-Nassr’s new player, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Reports revealed that Ronaldo and his partner, Georgina Rodriguez will be permitted to live together without punishment.
Ronaldo met Rodriguez in 2016 while plying his trade with Spanish giants, Real Madrid and they have lived together as marital partners but without marriage, having five children.
A report by Daily Mail on Friday said that Ronaldo, who moved to Saudi Arabia already living with his spouse, may not be sanctioned by laws.
Unmarried couples are forbidden to live together in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo and his partner also have their children – Bella, Alana, Cristiano Jr., and Eva and Mateo living with them.
Daily Mail reports that Ronaldo is unlikely to be punished due to his status as one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
According to the report which quoted two separate Saudi lawyers, the appropriate authorities are expected not to become involved in Ronaldo’s situation.
“Although the laws still prohibit cohabitation without a marriage contract, the authorities have begun to turn a blind eye and do not persecute anyone. Of course, these laws are used when there is a problem or a crime”, one of the legal practitioners said.
Daily Mail quotes the second one saying ”The Saudi Arabian authorities, today, do not interfere in this matter (in the case of foreigners), but the law continues to prohibit cohabitation outside of marriage”.
The 37-year-old Portuguese forward joined Al-Nassr and became the highest-paid footballer in December 2022 following a mutual termination of his contract with the English Premier League side, Manchester United.
