Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr 2023Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo causing a storm! Why Portugal star has sparked political controversy in Japan after Nagasaki governor attended match between Al-Nassr and PSG

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  • Al-Nassr & Ronaldo played PSG in July in Osaka, Japan
  • Nagasaki Governor attended using government funds
  • Controversy rising over situation, calls for resignation
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Marcareports that Ronaldo's friendly with Al-Nassr against PSG in July saw the Nagasaki Governor, Kengo Oishi, attend the match using government money. The match was played in Osaka, 732.1 Kilometers from the Island off the coast of Japan by road. Oishi claims he purchased the ticket with his own money, but travel accommodation and travel funds came out of the governments pocket. To make matters worse, the governor skipped an official meeting to attend the match.

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  • Danilo Pereira Cristiano Ronaldo PSG Al-NassrGetty Images

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The report adds that Oishi claims the purpose of the event was to speak with Ronaldo's party about potentially playing a role in a future publicity event, while "some officials" claim no deal existed with the Portuguese forward. Demands for the resignation of Oishi are now rolling in, while many of his supporters also claim that the publicity would have benefitted the city, meaning the governor was acting in good faith.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    The two sides played to a 0-0 draw in the friendly in Osaka, with Neymar then playing for PSG in the match before his Saudi Arabian switch to Al-Hilal.

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  • Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr celebrate 2023-24Getty Images

    WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO AND NASSR

    The Saudi Arabian side are back in action on December 22 against Al-Ettifaq, before a crucial Pro League match against Al-Ittihad on the 26th. For Ronaldo, now is a chance for some downtime until his next match, with an 11-day break before he takes the pitch again.

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