AFC Fines Ronaldo and Al-Nassr Coach

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) fined Al-Nassr's Portuguese coach, Luis Castro, and his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo due to incidents that occurred during the team's matches against Al-Ain in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League. Al-Nassr was eliminated from the continental competition after losing to Al-Ain (who ultimately won the title) in a penalty shootout (1-3), following a tie on aggregate (4-4). According to Saudi newspaper "Al-Youm," the AFC decided to fine Castro $7,000 for engaging in a confrontation after the whistle blew at the end of the first leg. Al-Nassr was fined $7,500 due to the altercation, and Ronaldo was also penalized with a $15,000 fine for displaying his personal brand logo during the press conference for the second leg. Al-Nassr lost the first leg in the UAE (1-0) before winning the second leg at home (4-3), but the penalty shootout favored Al-Ain in the end.