Cristiano Ronaldo says he's almost certain he will not be playing at the Club World Cup, dealing a blow to FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s hopes of having one of soccer’s biggest attractions at the tournament.

Ronaldo's pronouncement ends weeks of speculation, including by FIFA boss Gianni Infantino about whether the star would play

Reports suggested the wealthy Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in the Saudi Pro League, were negotiating a bid to “convince Ronaldo to stay and play”, with Al-Hilal and an appearance in the Club World Cup a possible option for Ronaldo.