Ivan Toney Claims Organizers Want Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr Victory Over Al-Ahli in Saudi Super Cup Final

Ivan Toney has delivered a scathing attack on Saudi Super Cup organizers, claiming they don’t want Al-Ahli to win Saturday’s final against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in Hong Kong. The England striker’s brutally honest assessment of his team’s treatment has added controversy to what was already set to be the marquee clash of the tournament, with the former Brentford star alleging systematic bias against his side.

Toney’s Explosive Pre-Match Comments

In a remarkable pre-match press conference that has sent shockwaves through Saudi football, Toney didn’t hold back when discussing his team’s preparation for the showpiece final. “To be honest, the preparation and how we’ve been treated has been crazy,” the 28-year-old striker declared.

The Al-Ahli forward went further, stating: “We’ve been on the worst pitch, and trained after other teams. We’ve been the most hated, the team nobody wants to win; it gives us that extra hunger and fight to win something against these teams.”

Evidence Supporting Toney’s Claims

Toney’s allegations appear to have substance when examining the training schedule arrangements in Hong Kong. Al-Ahli were given an 8 PM training slot on Friday evening at the same sports center facility, while their opponents Al-Nassr had access from 5:30 PM, providing them with better conditions and prime time slots.

This scheduling disparity has been cited as concrete evidence supporting the English striker’s claims about preferential treatment being given to the Cristiano Ronaldo-led team.

Motivation Through Adversity

Rather than being demoralized by the alleged poor treatment, Toney has framed these challenges as motivation for his teammates. The striker emphasized how the perceived bias has united his squad and provided additional incentive heading into the final.

“Hopefully we can take that energy, and bit of fire inside us, to win tomorrow. I think it just shows the team that we are. We get on with things. It’s not been the best, but we get on with it and take the fire out on the pitch,” Toney concluded after his criticism of the organizers.

Al-Ahli’s Path to the Final

Despite the alleged obstacles, Al-Ahli have been in dominant form throughout the tournament. The Asian champions secured their place in the final with an impressive 5-1 victory over Al Qadsiah in the semi-final, a performance that showcased their attacking prowess and squad depth.

Toney played a crucial role in this victory, converting a penalty in the 28th minute after a VAR-confirmed handball, demonstrating his composure under pressure and his importance to the team’s success.

The Ronaldo Factor and Tournament Context

The Saudi Super Cup final carries additional significance due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence in the Al-Nassr lineup. The Portuguese superstar is seeking his first official trophy with the Saudi club, having lost the 2024 final 4-1 to Al Hilal.

Al-Nassr secured their place in this year’s final with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al Ittihad, despite playing with ten men after Sadio Mané’s dismissal. Ronaldo provided the assist for Joao Felix’s winning goal, showcasing his continued influence even when not on the scoresheet.

Hong Kong’s Role as Neutral Venue

The decision to stage the 2025 Saudi Super Cup in Hong Kong represents a significant shift from previous editions held in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced this move following a sponsorship deal with SUM KM Sport, aimed at globalizing the competition.

However, the choice of venue has created logistical challenges that appear to have affected teams differently, with Al-Ahli bearing the brunt of organizational issues according to Toney’s testimony.

Crowd Support and Atmosphere Expectations

One of the questions posed to Toney during the press conference referenced “the 40,000 fans in the stadium cheering for Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr,” highlighting the expected partisan atmosphere in favor of the Portuguese star’s team.

This anticipated crowd support adds another layer to Toney’s allegations about systemic bias, suggesting that even fan sentiment is expected to heavily favor their opponents in Saturday’s final.

Al-Ahli’s Underdog Status

Despite being the reigning Asian champions after their AFC Champions League Elite triumph, Al-Ahli enter the final as moderate underdogs according to betting markets. This status appears to align with Toney’s perception of how his team has been treated throughout the tournament.

The striker’s comments suggest that this underdog role, rather than being discouraging, has galvanized the squad and provided additional motivation to prove doubters wrong on the biggest stage.

Tournament Stakes and Legacy

For Toney personally, the Saudi Super Cup final represents an opportunity to claim his first major trophy since moving to Saudi Arabia for approximately £40 million from Brentford. The England international has adapted well to Middle Eastern football and sees this final as a chance to justify his high-profile transfer.

The broader implications extend beyond individual glory, with Al-Ahli seeking to establish themselves as the dominant force in Saudi football by defeating the league’s most high-profile team and its biggest star.

Looking Ahead to Saturday’s Showdown

As both teams make final preparations for Saturday’s clash, Toney’s controversial comments have added an extra edge to proceedings. His allegations about organizational bias have created a narrative of Al-Ahli against the world, potentially providing the psychological advantage his team needs.

The England striker’s willingness to speak out publicly demonstrates his confidence and leadership qualities, suggesting he’s ready to back up his words with performance when it matters most. With the eyes of the football world watching, Saturday’s final promises to be a fascinating battle both on and off the pitch.

Read More: Liverpool Receives Clear Message: Federico Chiesa Makes U-Turn and Wants to Stay at Anfield

FAQs