News analysis

Cristiano Ronaldo saga highlights minefield of Asian visits

Fans at Juventus' friendly match against a K-League all-star team in Seoul on Friday. Many in the 60,000 crowd left before the final whistle when it became clear Cristiano Ronaldo would not play. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Fans at Juventus' friendly match against a K-League all-star team in Seoul on Friday. Many in the 60,000 crowd left before the final whistle when it became clear Cristiano Ronaldo would not play. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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The friendly between Juventus and a K-League all-star team last Friday in Seoul ended in a 3-3 draw and with thousands of fans calling for their money back after Cristiano Ronaldo sat on the bench for the entire game - in breach, organisers claim, of contract.

Juventus spent only around nine hours in the South Korean capital but the damage done to their reputation could last much longer.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 01, 2019, with the headline Cristiano Ronaldo saga highlights minefield of Asian visits. Subscribe