UAE Pro League Postpones Full Round, Ronaldo United Rumour Spreads And Shabab Al Ahli Arrive In Riyadh

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From a major UAE Pro League scheduling change to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United rumours and Shabab Al Ahli’s arrival in Riyadh, there’s plenty happening across regional sport. The ADNOC Pro League has postponed all seven Matchweek 7 fixtures, an unverified claim linking Ronaldo with a future Manchester United presidency is circulating, and Shabab Al Ahli have confirmed their arrival in Saudi Arabia ahead of Tuesday’s AFC Champions League Elite clash against Al Hilal.

UAE Pro League Postpones Entire Matchweek 7

What Is It About
The ADNOC Pro League has postponed all seven Matchweek 7 fixtures originally scheduled between October 29 and November 1. According to Al Ittihad, the adjustments are linked to preparations for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and the scheduling demands of UAE clubs competing in continental tournaments.

Why It Matters
The postponements affect fixtures including Al Ain against Ajman, Shabab Al Ahli against Kalba and Al Jazira against Baniyas. With several clubs closely matched near the top of the table, an entire round of postponed games adds further pressure to an already demanding calendar.

What’s Next
Matchweek 8 remains scheduled for November 7 and 8, before the UAE national team gathers in Abu Dhabi from November 9 to 17 for a training camp expected to include two friendlies. New dates for the postponed fixtures have not been announced.

Ronaldo Manchester United Presidency Rumour Spreads

What Is It About
Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a potential Manchester United presidency through a viral claim suggesting Saudi private investors could acquire the club and appoint him after retirement, possibly in 2027. However, there is no credible confirmation that Ronaldo is involved in such a plan.

Why It Matters
Journalist Ben Jacobs has reported preliminary investment enquiries from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, although none resulted in a formal takeover bid. Manchester United remain majority-owned by the Glazer family, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS controls football operations.

What’s Next
Any potential takeover would require negotiations over United’s existing ownership structure. For now, the reported investor interest and Ronaldo’s supposed presidential role remain separate stories, with no verified evidence linking him to a takeover.

Shabab Al Ahli Confirm Riyadh Arrival Ahead Of Al Hilal Clash

What Is It About
Shabab Al Ahli have officially arrived in Riyadh ahead of their AFC Champions League Elite match against Al Hilal, following a day of uncertainty over whether the fixture would go ahead. The Dubai club confirmed their arrival through a video with the message: “We're in Riyadh, as promised.”

Why It Matters
Earlier reports suggested Shabab Al Ahli had requested a postponement, while questions circulated about travel arrangements. Neither the AFC nor either club had confirmed a postponement, and both teams continued listing the November 3 match on their official schedules.

What’s Next
The match remains scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, at Kingdom Arena. Shabab Al Ahli arrive having won their opening three AFC Champions League Elite matches, while Al Hilal are looking to respond after a 3-1 defeat to Al Shamal. No official postponement has been announced.

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SMASHI MOMENTS

• Egypt FA president Hany Abou Rida was spotted at Trabzonspor to watch Mohamed Salah in action, and whether there was more behind the visit than support for the Egyptian star is unconfirmed

• A fight broke out between Al Sadd and Al Shamal players after Al Sadd’s 4-1 win, and Riyad Mahrez stayed out of it

• Malcom scored a hat-trick for Al Jazira in their win over Al Muharraq, three months after the UAE club signed him from Al Hilal

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