Saudi Arabia bends marriage law for Ronaldo

Last month, after his acrimonious exit from Manchester United, the 37-year-old iconic footballer Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr, a Saudi Arabian football club based in Riyadh. Ever since, the Portuguese star has been provided with many amenities such as a lavish villa and an annual income of £175 million.

On Tuesday, Ronaldo was introduced as 'the world's greatest footballer' in front of 25,000 people at Mrsool Park in Riyadh. The event stood as a grand celebration of his new sports journey with Saudi Arabia.

Adding to the exclusive treatment, SPORT reported that although Ronaldo and his long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez will reportedly break the law in Saudi Arabia as it is illegal for non-married couples to live together, they aren't expected to be penalised by authorities.

According to EFE, a Spanish news agency, Ronaldo's high status as one of the "most marketable athletes in the world" will save him from facing any consequences from the Saudi government.

The aforementioned publication also cited two separate Saudi lawyers' statements to validate their speculation. The legal professionals also predicted that the relevant authorities are less likely to become involved in Ronaldo's relationship with Rodriguez.

"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," noted one lawyer.

Another legal expert concurred the same, revealing that the Saudi authorities do not interfere with foreigners' personal matters anymore. "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," quoted the Spanish publication.

It's impertinent to mention that currently, neither Ronaldo nor the Saudi government have officially disclosed any statements on the matter.

Ronaldo was expected to make his new club debut on Thursday, but Sportsmail exclusively revealed how the sportsman is suspended because he has not yet completed the two-game FA sentence for shattering an Everton supporter's phone last season.

Although the ban was imposed during his time with Manchester United, it still carries onto his next club and bars Al Nassr from including its new striker until he has participated in two competitive games that he would have been available for. 

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