Joao Felix sparks Saudi anger after appearing to threaten to expose league

Joao Felix has provoked widespread anger among Saudi Arabian football supporters after appearing to threaten to expose the Roshn Saudi League following Al Nassr’s 2-1 defeat by Al-Ittihad.

The Portugal international was involved in an angry exchange with an assistant referee after Saturday’s match at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah. Footage showed Felix visibly frustrated as he confronted the official, with the incident quickly circulating on social media and attracting strong reactions from supporters of both clubs.

The controversy escalated after the match when Felix passed through the mixed zone, where journalists speak to players. In response to a question about the game, the Al Nassr forward said: “If I speak, I will expose this league.”

His comment prompted an angry response from several followers, who viewed it as more than criticism of the match or refereeing decisions. Some interpreted the statement as an attack on the integrity of the competition as a whole.

Felix was also unable to provide the performance Al Nassr supporters had expected during the match and did not score against Al-Ittihad.

A video of the incident, posted on X by the account of Saudi newspaper Okaz, drew a significant response from the Saudi football community.

One user, named Hashem, questioned the nature of Felix’s remarks, writing: “What do you mean – either I win or I cause trouble?”

Mousa described the statement as a direct accusation and called for an investigation, saying: “This is a clear and explicit accusation and an insinuation about the integrity of Saudi competitions. He must be investigated.”

The account MSA said the comment should not be ignored, adding: “I hope the player’s statement does not pass without action. Ronaldo previously spoke and made threats and nothing happened, and today Felix is threatening and making promises.”

Mohammed Al-Tamimi argued that Al Nassr should dispense with Felix after the incident. He wrote: “A final exit – an open threat.”

Another account, Fawaris Al-Jazirah, called for the Portuguese player to leave Saudi football, commenting: “This is the end of the Portuguese gang. It is time to clean our sport of them.”

The reactions followed a tense match in which Al-Ittihad claimed a 2-1 victory over their rivals in the fifth round of the Roshn Saudi League. The result added to the scrutiny surrounding Felix’s conduct and his performance on the night.

Al Nassr signed Felix from Chelsea in the summer of 2025. According to Transfermarkt, he has since scored 30 goals and provided 22 assists in 53 appearances for the club in all competitions.