Saudi Arabia is emerging as a new dominant force in the world of sports, hosting the 2034 World Cup and investing heavily in various athletic events. Despite this growth, it contends with significant human rights concerns, a complex socio-political landscape, and critiques of “sportswashing.” James Montague’s insights highlight the duality of progress and repression in the kingdom’s pursuit of a sporting future.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a formidable force in the global sporting arena. Following Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup, it was announced that Saudi Arabia would host the tournament in 2034, reflecting the kingdom’s growing influence in international sport, albeit amid its notorious human rights issues. This acceptance of Saudi Arabia’s role marks a significant shift in the perception of global sporting events.
The decision to host the World Cup in Saudi Arabia has been part of a broader strategy established during the tumultuous aftermath of the Qatar World Cup selection, which triggered a series of corruption investigations and the resignation of FIFA’s president, Sepp Blatter, in 2015. His successor, Gianni Infantino, facilitated subsequent controversial selections of World Cup hosts, notably aiming for affirmation rather than a democratic vote among FIFA members.
Saudi Arabia’s interest in sports has quickly escalated; it began hosting prominent events in 2018, including international wrestling and tennis matches. This expansion into various sports has occurred alongside significant human rights controversies, such as the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, showcasing a dichotomy in the kingdom’s image of progress and repression.
The flood of sporting events in Saudi Arabia has continued, with the arrival of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021 and significant investments in football with the acquisition of Newcastle United by the Saudi Public Investment Fund. These moves have attracted high-profile athletes, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, marking a stark transformation in the sporting landscape of the region.
Critics have labeled these activities as “sportswashing,” implying that Saudi Arabia’s investment in sports serves to obscure its human rights abuses. However, Montague argues that this transformation goes beyond reputation management; it represents the exertion of hard power through financial means. This is particularly evident in Newcastle, where investment is believed to address both sporting and infrastructural needs.
The book by James Montague provides a detailed exploration of Saudi culture’s fascination with sports and the impact of its financial investments. Highlighting the contrast between the extravagance of sports events and the ongoing repression of political freedoms, the author illustrates the complex nature of Saudi Arabia’s contemporary identity. Despite significant growth in sports culture, underlying challenges concerning political rights persist in the kingdom, as depicted in Montague’s narrative.
Montague’s observations in Saudi Arabia display both the enthusiasm for sports among its young population and the stark reality of its socio-political landscape. He emphasizes the lasting elements of Saudi football culture, illustrating a nation eager to manifest its presence on the global sports stage. Yet the persistence of political repression indicates that while the kingdom is advancing in some areas, it remains unchanged in critical domains, reiterating the complexities of Saudi governance and societal progress.
Saudi Arabia’s rise as a significant player in global sports has occurred alongside troubling human rights issues and a long history of political repression. The kingdom’s preparations for the 2034 World Cup, significant investment in various sports, and acquisitions like Newcastle United showcase its ambition but also raise concerns regarding the broader implications of its actions. While there is enthusiasm for sports among the local populace, the persistence of political oppression shadows the advancements made in the sporting capital narrative.
Original Source: www.thetimes.com
