Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud attends Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment event on the day of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, September 9, 2023.
Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has acknowledged allegations of “sportswashing” as he seeks to improve Saudi Arabia’s global reputation. The country has been increasing its investments and influence in international sports such as golf and soccer.
During an interview with Fox News that aired on Wednesday night, the crown prince stated, “Well, if sportswashing is going to increase my GDP by 1%, I will continue doing sportswashing. I don’t care… I’m aiming for another 1.5%. Call it whatever you want, we’re going to get that 1.5%.”
Critics argue that Saudi Arabia’s government is using sports investments to gain political leverage and divert attention from human rights abuses, including the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This practice has been termed “sportswashing.”
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has significantly increased its sports investments, acquiring stakes in local soccer clubs and attracting top players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar through lucrative deals reportedly worth up to $175 million. The country has also successfully lured pro golfers, such as Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, away from the PGA Tour to join its rival LIV Golf, before eventually merging the two organizations.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed, has been supporting Saudi soccer clubs and LIV Golf. The fund, valued at over $700 billion, has diverse investments in areas ranging from electronic vehicles to entertainment, according to a Reuters report.
The proposed merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour has faced widespread scrutiny. Critics argue that this deal is an attempt to rehabilitate Saudi Arabia’s image. Some lawmakers also consider it a potential national security threat, pointing to Saudi Arabia’s alleged ties to the 9/11 attacks.
Key US lawmakers have criticized the pending golf merger, suggesting that it is a diversionary tactic by the kingdom to distract from its human rights record. The PGA Tour officials involved in the merger have emphasized the threat posed by LIV Golf before the agreement was reached, highlighting the potential loss of control for the PGA Tour.
A second hearing was held on the LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger, where one witness argued that the agreement was not solely a business deal but an operation to influence US public opinion and foreign policy.
Overall, the crown prince’s statement indicates that despite growing criticism, he is determined to continue with “sportswashing” as he believes it will bring economic benefits to Saudi Arabia.
CNBC’s Lillian Rizzo and Chelsey Cox contributed to this report
