Saudi prince says he does not care about ‘sportswashing’ claims

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia declared his lack of concern about accusations of “sportswashing” against his country and affirmed his commitment to supporting sports if it contributes to increasing GDP.

Saudi prince not care about ‘sportswashing’ claims: The accusation of “sportswashing” is made against nations that are thought to be utilising sport to repair their damaged international reputations. The crown prince told Fox News, “If sportswashing (is) going to increase my GDP by 1%, then we’ll keep doing sportswashing.”

Under the oversight of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country’s de facto ruler since 2015, Saudi Arabia has made substantial investments in sports such as football, golf, Formula One, boxing, and tennis through the Public Wealth Fund in recent years.

Some accuse the nation of engaging in “sportswashing” in response to severe criticism of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

Saudi Arabia denies allegations of violating human rights and claims its laws safeguard its national security. The crown prince responded to a question directly regarding “sportswashing” by saying:

I could care less. I already have 1% of my GDP growth from sports, and I want another 1.5%. Whatever you want to call it, we’re going to get that additional 1.5%.

PIF owns 80% of Premier League team Newcastle United and backed LIV Golf, which signed high-profile golfers from the PGA Tour and Europe’s DP World Tour before announcing a merger and creation of a single commercial business.

Prior to the Saudi Pro League’s transfer window, which closed on September 7, it also acquired a majority share in four of the nation’s best football clubs in June.

Since 2021, Saudi Arabia has hosted a Formula One Grand Prix and boxing world championship bouts. This year, it will host a professional tennis competition for the first time.