Golf, football? Saudi Arabia’s grand sportswashing plan and the 72 hours that changed everything
1 year, 6 months ago

Golf, football? Saudi Arabia’s grand sportswashing plan and the 72 hours that changed everything

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The game had anticipated a first split with Gianni Infantino’s initial plan for an expanded Club World Cup in 2020, and a number of sources state that Saudi money underpinned the SoftBank fund for that. open image in gallery Gianni Infantino’s plan for an expanded Club World Cup was underpinned by Saudi money Unlike golf, however, the sport’s unique supporter culture kept the game together. It’s just that it’s impossible to isolate from Bin Salman’s wider political aims, with human rights campaigners FairSquare describing it as “central to Saudi Arabia’s soft power strategy”. open image in gallery Al Nassr’s signing of Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the first dominos to fall in the boosting of the Saudi Pro League As part of the plan, the state’s Public Investment Fund has taken over four of Saudi Arabia’s top football clubs – Al Ahli; Al Hilal; Al Nassr, who have Ronaldo, and Al Ittihad, who will have Karim Benzema.

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History of this topic

Saudi Arabia to host 2034 FIFA World Cup despite human rights sportswashing concerns
Top News
1 week, 6 days ago

Saudi Arabia to host 2034 FIFA World Cup despite human rights sportswashing concerns

ABC  

FIFA has announced Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 men's World Cup, despite a growing number of organisations criticising the country's human rights record and accusing it of sportswashing. Human rights organisations have rejected that assessment, saying Saudi Arabia's human rights record is unacceptable and the bid presents a direct risk to the lives of workers who will …

The silence surrounding Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034 confirmation reveals Fifa’s grand plan
2 weeks ago

The silence surrounding Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034 confirmation reveals Fifa’s grand plan

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As late as Monday evening, members of the …

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup — a controversial pick
2 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup — a controversial pick

NPR  

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup — a controversial pick toggle caption Mahmoud Khaled/Getty Images The world's largest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup, will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2034, soccer's governing body announced Wednesday — a controversial selection that has already drawn criticism from human rights groups. And it is the biggest jewel yet …

The silence surrounding Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034 confirmation reveals Fifa’s grand plan
2 weeks, 1 day ago

The silence surrounding Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034 confirmation reveals Fifa’s grand plan

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As late as Monday evening, members of the …

Saudi Arabia’s network of spending and influence detailed before getting 2034 World Cup from FIFA
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Saudi Arabia’s network of spending and influence detailed before getting 2034 World Cup from FIFA

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Saudi Arabia’s growing influence and massive spending in global sports ahead of being confirmed by FIFA as the 2034 World Cup host was detailed on Monday in a report that cited risks to good governance off the field. The oil-rich kingdom’s investment of tens of billions of dollars in soccer, golf, boxing, tennis, the Esports Olympics and a …

FIFA inspection praises Saudi Arabia bid to host 2034 World Cup ahead of Dec. 11 decision
3 weeks, 4 days ago

FIFA inspection praises Saudi Arabia bid to host 2034 World Cup ahead of Dec. 11 decision

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Ahead of giving Saudi Arabia the men’s 2034 World Cup to host, FIFA approved the quality of its bid in a 110-page evaluation Saturday that noted higher risks related to human rights in the oil-rich kingdom. On Dec. 11, in a scheduled online meeting of 211 national soccer federations, FIFA will ask them to acclaim without an itemized …

Big money as Saudi makes foray into cricket with IPL auction
1 month ago

Big money as Saudi makes foray into cricket with IPL auction

Live Mint  

Saudi Arabia hosts this year's Indian Premier League player auction in a partnership between a money-spinning cricket tournament expanding its global reach and a kingdom using sports to improve its image. Saudi cricket federation chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal said that staging the auction reflected the kingdom's "commitment to developing the sport and showcasing its position as a global destination …

Saudi Pro League 2024-25 live: When and where to watch Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal live on TV and online in India?
4 months ago

Saudi Pro League 2024-25 live: When and where to watch Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal live on TV and online in India?

India TV News  

The 49th edition of the Saudi Pro League, the top football division in Saudi Arabia, will begin with 18 teams clashing for the coveted trophy on August 22. Ronaldo scored the only goal as Al-Nassr suffered a huge 1-4 defeat against Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup final last week. Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal struggled to attract big-name players in …

Saudi Arabia details ambitious 2034 World Cup stadiums and project building plan to FIFA
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia details ambitious 2034 World Cup stadiums and project building plan to FIFA

Associated Press  

PARIS — Saudi Arabia detailed a massive stadium building project Wednesday to host the 2034 World Cup in men’s soccer, with one venue 350 meters above ground in a planned futuristic city. A 46,000-seat stadium in the Neom megaproject along the Red Sea coast is “designed to stand out among the world’s most iconic landmarks,” according to the first overall …

Saudi Hosts Its First Esports World Cup
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Saudi Hosts Its First Esports World Cup

Bloomberg  

00:00 While the first ever e-sports World Cup is happening in Saudi Arabia, with over 1500 gamers competing for a piece of a record prize pool of $60 million. It's all part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's plan to turn Riyadh into a global gaming hub under his Vision 2030 economic agenda. But as with most things Saudi …

Esports World Cup: The new tournament in Saudi Arabia causing a big splash and division in the industry
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Esports World Cup: The new tournament in Saudi Arabia causing a big splash and division in the industry

CNN  

CNN — In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital, a seismic moment for esports is underway; one which has triggered both excitement and concern across the industry. “That was the guiding principle when we thought about, designed it and then announced it.” But while the tournament will be a shot of adrenaline for esports, its launch has refreshed existing concerns …

All Saudi top-tier football clubs to go private: ministry
5 months, 3 weeks ago

All Saudi top-tier football clubs to go private: ministry

The Hindu  

The Saudi Pro League’s remaining 14 football clubs are up for privatisation, the sports ministry said, after the sale of four top teams sparked a billion-dollar spending spree on foreign stars. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the top oil exporter’s sovereign wealth vehicle, took a majority stake in Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad last year. Saudi …

With oil funds and Formula One, Saudi Arabia steamrolls its way onto sports’ hallowed grounds
7 months, 3 weeks ago

With oil funds and Formula One, Saudi Arabia steamrolls its way onto sports’ hallowed grounds

LA Times  

To understand the scope of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in the sporting landscape, don’t look just to the Formula One race in Jeddah — which ended with a predictable one-two win for the Red Bull team in March. Some whisper it’s only a matter of time before Saudi Arabia bids for the race series franchise as a whole, which Liberty Media …

Ten Years From Home World Cup, Saudi Arabia Sizes Up 'Huge Challenge'
8 months, 4 weeks ago

Ten Years From Home World Cup, Saudi Arabia Sizes Up 'Huge Challenge'

News 18  

A decade before it hosts football’s World Cup, the size of the task facing Saudi Arabia is becoming apparent, including building stadiums, hotels and transport links. “We still have 10 full years ahead of us that will see the state of stadiums in Saudi Arabia change radically,” a Saudi Football Federation official told AFP. – Clifftop stadium – Saudi Arabia, …

Future of golf in Saudi hands after £2.4bn American investment in PGA Tour
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Future of golf in Saudi hands after £2.4bn American investment in PGA Tour

The Telegraph  

The Saudis have been handed the chance to unify professional male golf after an American consortium, headed by the owners of Liverpool FC, made an investment in the PGA Tour that could reach £2.4 billion. The deal with the Strategic Sports Group comes eight months after plans were announced for a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, which …

Saudi ambassador ‘disappointed’ over ‘western centric’ criticism of mulled WTA Finals move
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Saudi ambassador ‘disappointed’ over ‘western centric’ criticism of mulled WTA Finals move

The Hindu  

The criticism over moving the Women’s Tennis Association Finals to Saudi Arabia represents stereotypical and western-centric views, Saudi ambassador to the United States Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud has said. “It pained me deeply to read a column in The Washington Post objecting to Saudi Arabia hosting the WTA Finals based on arguments that are outdated stereotypes and western-centric views of …

Rafael Nadal sees ‘potential’ in Saudi Arabia as he signs up as tennis ambassador
11 months, 1 week ago

Rafael Nadal sees ‘potential’ in Saudi Arabia as he signs up as tennis ambassador

The Hindu  

Rafael Nadal was named ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation on Monday, as the Gulf kingdom aims to host more professional tournaments as part of a broader sports push. “Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress and I’m excited to be part of that,” the 37-year-old Spaniard, winner of 22 Grand Slams, said in a …

Saudi Pro League makes key rule change to speed up hunt for star players
11 months, 1 week ago

Saudi Pro League makes key rule change to speed up hunt for star players

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Saudi Pro League has made a rule …

Club World Cup let visitors see how Saudi Arabia wants to change ahead of 2034 World Cup
1 year ago

Club World Cup let visitors see how Saudi Arabia wants to change ahead of 2034 World Cup

Associated Press  

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — In Saudi Arabia this week to work at the Club World Cup, seeing a woman driving a car on the busy roads of Jeddah was proving elusive. The brief Club World Cup that ended on Friday was awarded to Saudi Arabia in February and was the first FIFA event played in the kingdom since the 1990s. …

How Saudi Arabia captured global sports in 2023
1 year ago

How Saudi Arabia captured global sports in 2023

Live Mint  

At the dawn of 2023, the spectre of Saudi Arabia's growing influence on pro golf—and sports in general—served not only as a moral conundrum for players and their fans, but also, some argued, as an existential threat to the multibillion-dollar professional-sports industry itself. Making less-dramatic but almost equally important headlines were the continuing talks between the Saudis and leaders in …

In 2023, the Saudis dove further into sports. They are expected to keep it up in 2024
1 year ago

In 2023, the Saudis dove further into sports. They are expected to keep it up in 2024

Associated Press  

At the dawn of 2023, the specter of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on pro golf — and sports in general — served not only as a moral conundrum for players and their fans, but also, some argued, as an existential threat to the multibillion-dollar professional-sports industry itself. Making less-dramatic but almost equally important headlines were the continuing talks between the …

Saudi Arabia eyes stakes in $30 Billion Indian Premier League
1 year, 1 month ago

Saudi Arabia eyes stakes in $30 Billion Indian Premier League

Op India  

Saudi Arabia which has made substantial investments in professional sports clubs in various sports has now indicated interest in purchasing a multibillion-dollar share in the Indian Premier League, which is the richest tournament in international cricket, reported Bloomberg on Friday, November 3. According to persons acquainted with the situation, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s advisors have discussed transferring the Indian …

Football must change now after Saudi Arabia 2034 exposes ‘failure’ at the very top
1 year, 1 month ago

Football must change now after Saudi Arabia 2034 exposes ‘failure’ at the very top

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with Al …

Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup is no surprise – but you are right to be upset
1 year, 1 month ago

Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup is no surprise – but you are right to be upset

New York Times  

So that’s that then. Already, Saudi Arabia has lined up the FIFA Club World Cup in December, the Spanish, Italian and Turkish Super Cups next year, as well as bidding for the 2035 Women’s World Cup. Gianni Infantino speaks in Saudi Arabia at the draw for the 2023 Club World Cup Add to that the multitude of “Riyadh Season” events, …

Saudi gamer prince announces eSports World Cup in 2024
1 year, 2 months ago

Saudi gamer prince announces eSports World Cup in 2024

The Hindu  

Saudi Arabia said on Monday it would organise an eSports World Cup starting next year, the latest boost to a sector Riyadh hopes will create tens of thousands of local jobs. “The eSports World Cup is the natural next step in Saudi Arabia’s journey to become the premier global hub for gaming and eSports,” the Gulf kingdom’s de facto ruler, …

Saudi Pro League: Karim Benzema tempted by Saudi Arabia’s ‘huge’ football project
1 year, 2 months ago

Saudi Pro League: Karim Benzema tempted by Saudi Arabia’s ‘huge’ football project

The Hindu  

Karim Benzema was lured by Saudi Arabia’s “huge project” and the fact it is a Muslim country when he decided to end a trophy-laden stint with Real Madrid to move to Al-Ittihad, the French striker said on Wednesday. Benzema became one of many big names to move to the Saudi Pro League when he joined Al-Ittihad as a free agent …

How Fifa and Uefa turned choosing tournament hosts into a ‘stitch-up’
1 year, 2 months ago

How Fifa and Uefa turned choosing tournament hosts into a ‘stitch-up’

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery A Saudi Arabia fan with a replica World …

Saudi Arabia is trying to disrupt soccer’s world order. The reasons why might surprise you
1 year, 3 months ago

Saudi Arabia is trying to disrupt soccer’s world order. The reasons why might surprise you

CNN  

CNN — Editor’s Note: A version of this story appears in CNN’s Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter, a three-times-a-week look inside the region’s biggest stories. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman says he doesn’t “care” about the country’s investment in sport being described as sportswashing. Patricia de Melo Moreira/AFP/Getty Images By attracting some of the world’s biggest stars to …

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema Eyeing Asian Champions League Title
1 year, 3 months ago

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema Eyeing Asian Champions League Title

News 18  

Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema have won a combined total of 11 UEFA Champions League titles and, starting Monday, they lead the Saudi Arabian challenge in the Asian edition. Neymar, who last week surpassed Pele’s international goal tally for Brazil, arrived at Al-Hilal in August and made his league debut on Friday as the four-time Asian champion thrashed Abha …

Mixed martial arts investment latest example of Saudi Arabia’s foray into global sports
1 year, 3 months ago

Mixed martial arts investment latest example of Saudi Arabia’s foray into global sports

Associated Press  

LAS VEGAS — Saudi Arabia’s most recent venture into the global sports scene — purchasing a stake in the Professional Fighters League — is yet another example of the oil-rich kingdom using athletics to increase its influence. However, it also comes as Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman faces international criticism over the kingdom’s war in Yemen, the 2018 …

Only Premier League clubs spent more on transfers than Saudi Pro League sides
1 year, 3 months ago

Only Premier League clubs spent more on transfers than Saudi Pro League sides

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “This marks the first time since 2016 that another international league has …

Saudi transfer window closes after a $1 billion spending spree on football stars
1 year, 3 months ago

Saudi transfer window closes after a $1 billion spending spree on football stars

The Hindu  

After an outlay of $1 billion, Saudi Arabia’s transfer window shut on Thursday with the oil-rich kingdom having announced itself as a new powerhouse in global football. Liverpool last week reportedly rejected a bid worth 150 million pounds from Al-Ittihad for Salah and despite speculation a renewed offer would come before Thursday’s deadline, no deal was struck for the Egypt …

Saudi transfer window closes after a $1 billion spending spree on soccer stars
1 year, 3 months ago

Saudi transfer window closes after a $1 billion spending spree on soccer stars

Associated Press  

MANCHESTER, England — After an outlay of $1 billion, Saudi Arabia’s transfer window shut on Thursday with the oil-rich kingdom having announced itself as a new powerhouse in global soccer. Liverpool last week reportedly rejected a bid worth 150 million pounds from Al-Ittihad for Salah and despite speculation a renewed offer would come before Thursday’s deadline, no deal was struck …

For Saudi Arabia, sport is the new oil
1 year, 3 months ago

For Saudi Arabia, sport is the new oil

The Hindu  

Published : Sep 07, 2023 11:00 IST - 11 MINS READ Saudi Arabia, the world’s second largest oil producer, has gone into overdrive in recent years in its efforts to become a global player in international sports. Most of these investments have been made through Saudi Arabia’s $776 billion Public Investment Fund, considered to be one of the largest sovereign …

After luring Neymar, Mane and a slew of stars, the Saudi Pro League transfer window is set to shut
1 year, 3 months ago

After luring Neymar, Mane and a slew of stars, the Saudi Pro League transfer window is set to shut

The Hindu  

A lavish spending spree that has seen Saudi Arabia lure some of football’s biggest stars to the oil-rich kingdom will come to a halt on Thursday when its transfer window shuts. RELATED | Premier League to support new PFA brain health assistance fund Liverpool reportedly rejected a bid worth 150 million pounds before last week’s European transfer deadline, but Al-Ittihad …

Saudi Arabia’s e-sports looking to nurture its own hit games
1 year, 3 months ago

Saudi Arabia’s e-sports looking to nurture its own hit games

Al Jazeera  

The kingdom is making investments and training new local talent as it aims to become a powerhouse in game development. As it gathers momentum, the national gaming and e-sports strategy emphasises local game production, promising to turn the kingdom into “an Eden for game developers” that can produce new titles “promoting Saudi and Arabic culture”. Early days Saudi Arabia seems …

Saudi Arabian fund buys stake in PFL mixed martial arts league
1 year, 3 months ago

Saudi Arabian fund buys stake in PFL mixed martial arts league

Al Jazeera  

Fund created by Saudi sovereign wealth fund invests in MMA promotion company and will create a regional tournament. A company formed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has acquired a minority stake in the United States’ Professional Fighters League and will create a regional tournament as the kingdom’s sports investment push expands into mixed martial arts. The acquisition announced on …

AUDIO - Full Time Show Podcast: Decoding Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the world of football
1 year, 3 months ago

AUDIO - Full Time Show Podcast: Decoding Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the world of football

The Hindu  

The summer transfer window of 2023 saw a new entrant prising players away from the top leagues of Europe. Riyadh-based Al-Nassr’s signing of Cristiano Ronaldo was the starting point of the transfer frenzy as the four PIF-backed clubs from the country vied to secure the signatures of top European players. Saudi Arabia’s performance in the Qatar World Cup, beating eventual …

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Host Next Gen ATP Finals Through 2027
1 year, 4 months ago

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Host Next Gen ATP Finals Through 2027

News 18  

Saudi Arabia will host the men’s tennis tour’s Next Gen ATP Finals in Jedda through 2027 under an agreement announced Thursday, the latest foray into sports by the kingdom. The end-of-season tournament for the ATP’s leading 21-and-under players will be held this year at the King Abdullah Sports City on an indoor hard court from November 28 to December 2. …

Saudi Arabia to host Next Gen ATP Finals from 2023 to 2027
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi Arabia to host Next Gen ATP Finals from 2023 to 2027

The Hindu  

The season-ending Next Gen Finals for men’s under-21 tennis players will be held in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah from 2023 to 2027 as the ATP makes its first competitive foray into the Gulf state, the men’s governing body said on Thursday. EXHIBITION TOURNAMENT Although other Gulf countries like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have hosted ATP tournaments …

Saudi Arabia will host the men’s tennis tour’s Next Gen ATP Finals through 2027
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi Arabia will host the men’s tennis tour’s Next Gen ATP Finals through 2027

Associated Press  

LONDON — Saudi Arabia will host the men’s tennis tour’s Next Gen ATP Finals in Jedda through 2027 under an agreement announced Thursday, the latest foray into sports by the kingdom. It is the first time an official ATP event will be held in Saudi Arabia and part of a recent trend involving various sports linking with the kingdom’s sovereign …

VIDEO: Neymar lands in Saudi ahead of unveiling ceremony
1 year, 4 months ago

VIDEO: Neymar lands in Saudi ahead of unveiling ceremony

The Hindu  

Neymar was greeted with much fanfare on Friday as he arrived in Saudi Arabia where he joins a growing list of big names lured to the oil-rich kingdom. The 31-year-old Brazil forward, who will be unveiled as an Al-Hilal player on Saturday after six seasons with French champions Paris Saint-Germain landed in a Riyadh airport equipped with extra security for …

Saudi Pro league set to kick off new dawn for football
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi Pro league set to kick off new dawn for football

The Hindu  

When the new Saudi Pro League season kicks off on Friday, it will herald a new dawn for football in the Gulf kingdom which has spent close to half a billion dollars luring top players and coaches from traditional European powerhouses. Al-Ahli, in particular, is one of the few clubs that has benefited from the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s project …

After stocking up on big-name players, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious soccer league starts Friday
1 year, 4 months ago

After stocking up on big-name players, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious soccer league starts Friday

Associated Press  

GENEVA — The Saudi Arabian soccer league kicks off Friday after a spending spree on big-name players grabbed the world’s attention during the European summer offseason. “The watching world can now enjoy front row seats as Saudi football transforms,” said the league’s interim chief executive, Saad Allazeez. “The Saudi Pro League … will be supported in its ambition to be …

How Saudi football clubs are posing a challenge to European supremacy
1 year, 4 months ago

How Saudi football clubs are posing a challenge to European supremacy

The Hindu  

With Saudi Arabian clubs offering ludicrous deals and managing to attract star players, global attention is diverting from European leagues. Saudi pro league club Al-Hilal made French club Paris Saint Germain an offer of a mind-blowing €300 million for its talismanic forward Kylian Mbappe last week. While Mbappe’s future remains uncertain, the offer is a strong statement from the Saudi …

The World Cup, golf, F1, cycling and more. Saudi Arabia is buying sport – this is why
1 year, 5 months ago

The World Cup, golf, F1, cycling and more. Saudi Arabia is buying sport – this is why

New York Times  

Editor’s note: This is an updated version of an article that was first published in July 2023. “Saudi Arabia’s interest in esports is driven by several factors, one of which is climate — for several months, it is simply too hot to play sports or stage events outdoors,” continues Chadwick. “PIF’s investment in sports not watched or played inside Saudi …

Football’s Arabian Nights a big hit of the season
1 year, 5 months ago

Football’s Arabian Nights a big hit of the season

Hindustan Times  

Before the discussion shifts to Harry Kane’s possible move, whether Kai Havertz can bed in at Arsenal, Mason Mount at Manchester United and Ilkay Guendogan at Barcelona, Saudi Pro League has dominated the conversation around the summer transfer window. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is now part of football lexicon, not so much because of the acquisition of Newcastle but …

Inside Saudi Arabia’s plan to disrupt global football
1 year, 5 months ago

Inside Saudi Arabia’s plan to disrupt global football

New York Times  

The sun has set on Cristiano Ronaldo’s first six months in Saudi Arabia and he appears optimistic about the future of football there. Saudi Sports Company, which is state-controlled, acquired the domestic rights to the SPL for three years from 2022-23 to 2024-25 and the deal’s value is 10 times the amount the league generates from international rights. Another way …

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss
1 year, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss

The Hindu  

Missing out on Lionel Messi hasn’t slowed Saudi Arabia’s ambitious recruitment drive as the oil-rich kingdom tries to establish itself as a viable destination for the world’s top players. World Cup and Champions League winner N’Golo Kante became the latest stellar player to head to the lucrative Pro League, signing a three-year contract Wednesday to team up with Benzema at …

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss
1 year, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss

Associated Press  

MANCHESTER, England — Missing out on Lionel Messi hasn’t slowed Saudi Arabia’s ambitious recruitment drive as the oil-rich kingdom tries to establish itself as a viable destination for the world’s top players. World Cup and Champions League winner N’Golo Kante became the latest stellar player to head to the lucrative Pro League, signing a three-year contract Wednesday to team up …

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