Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has stated he “doesn’t care” if Saudi Arabia is accused of “sportswashing” – so long as it provides to the nation’s GDP.
The nation has set its Vision 2030 – a mission to finish its dependency on fossil fuels that has seen billions pumped into golf and soccer.
Prince Mohammed, also called MBS, was requested throughout an interview with Fox News about sportswashing – which pertains to enhancing the repute of a controversial nation or an organisation through the use of sport sponsorship or occasion internet hosting.
“If it’s sportswashing and it improves my GDP by 1%, then I will continue doing sportswashing,” he stated.
When requested if he was “OK with that term”, MBS replied: “I don’t care – I have 1% GDP growth from sports and I’m aiming for another 1.5%. Call it whatever you want – we’re going to get that other 1.5%.”
Saudi Arabia has pumped cash into sport in recent times.
Its LIV Golf collection sparked a participant revolt earlier than its merger with the PGA, whereas the home Saudi Pro League has spent almost £1bn over the summer time on a string of high-profile soccer stars.
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Premier League gamers corresponding to ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Manchester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez, in addition to Brazilian star Neymar, have been lured to the peninsula with big-money strikes.
Newcastle United was additionally purchased by a consortium dominated by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
The oil-rich nation has confronted criticism for human rights violations and ongoing concern concerning the homicide of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
US intelligence companies stated the 2018 homicide of Washington Post columnist was doubtless authorized by the prince – a declare he has denied.
The kingdom has additionally confronted accusations of human rights abuses, together with imprisonment with out trial and mass execution of critics.
Rishi Sunak was criticised final month when it was introduced he would meet MBS, presumably earlier than the tip of the 12 months.
Source: information.sky.com”