Problems for Cristiano Ronaldo! Juventus to challenge decision to pay Al-Nassr superstar €10m in unpaid wages

According to The Athletic, the Bianconeri are gearing up to challenge an arbitration board's decision as they are not content with the ruling. Following a hearing focused on a compensation reduction agreement made between Ronaldo and the club during the COVID-19 pandemic-affected 2020-21 season the judge asked the Serie A outfit to pay out approximately €9.8 million ($10.4m/£8.3m) to the Al-Nassr superstar.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Ronaldo had agreed to defer a portion of his salary to help Juventus manage financial difficulties brought on by the pandemic. However, the Portuguese claims he was not fully reimbursed for the deferred wages and sued the club demanding €19.6m (£16.4m/$21m). However, after the hearing, the court ruled that the agreement was non-binding and absolved Juventus of any fraudulent behaviour. Nonetheless, the court still deemed fit that the club pay Ronaldo €9.8 million, plus interest on the late payment and legal fees.

Juventus' legal team has reviewed last month's decision and is now preparing to contest it. The club's legal counsel believes there are grounds to challenge the ruling and aims to overturn the decision in the next legal steps.

With revenue streams severely impacted by the absence of matchday income and other disruptions during the pandemic, several clubs had to negotiate temporary wage adjustments with their players. It now remains to be seen if Juventus get their way in a higher court and is relieved of paying the hefty amount to Ronaldo.