Why Saudi Arabia wants all the sports

Summary

The video explores Saudi Arabia's multi-billion dollar investments in sports, suggesting a strategy of 'sportswashing' to cleanse its image while addressing human rights concerns. It delves into the country's economic reliance on oil, the Vision 2030 plan, and the potential influence of sports on both global diplomacy and domestic stability. The narrative questions whether sports investments are purely for economic gain or a means to shape international perceptions and maintain internal control.

Takeaways

• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮 Newcastle United, a football club in Northeastern England, joined the English Football League in 1893 and experienced early success but has not won a major trophy since 1955.
• 👑 The club has seen multiple ownership changes without significant success until its acquisition by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund in 2021, which marked a significant shift for the club.
• 💰 Saudi Arabia has invested over $10 billion in various sports, including soccer, auto racing, boxing, wrestling, and golf, as part of a broader strategy beyond just Newcastle United.
• 🌐 The term 'sportswashing' refers to using sports to cleanse a country's image and reputation, with historical examples including Hitler's 1936 Olympics and the 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina.
• 👁️ Saudi Arabia's leaders have been accused of human rights abuses, including jailing and executing dissidents, suppressing women's and LGBTQ+ rights, and involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the war in Yemen.
• 🕊️ The Al Saud family's rule in Saudi Arabia has been characterized by strict enforcement of Wahhabi Islam, including harsh dress codes, gender segregation, and limited rights for women.
• 🛑 Oil has been the backbone of Saudi Arabia's economy and political power, providing wealth and global influence, but the country has shown little incentive to diversify its economy.
• 📉 The demand for oil is predicted to decline in the late 2020s, posing a significant threat to Saudi Arabia's economy and political stability.
• 🛍️ Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has initiated economic and social reforms as part of his Vision 2030 Plan, aiming to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil.
• 🏆 MBS's Vision 2030 includes the PIF, a $700 billion sovereign wealth fund investing in new industries and global companies to generate wealth and influence beyond oil.
• 🤝 Saudi Arabia's investments in sports, such as purchasing Newcastle United and creating new sports leagues, are seen as a means to build international influence and potentially appease its young population.

Q & A

What significant event occurred for Newcastle United in 1955?

In 1955, Newcastle United won the English League's top trophy, which was the last major success for the club until the recent acquisition by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.

What is the term 'sportswashing' and how is it defined in the script?

Sportswashing is defined as the deployment of sports for the purpose of cleansing a country's image and reputation, often used to divert attention from controversial political or social issues.

How has Saudi Arabia's investment in sports been perceived by some critics?

Critics perceive Saudi Arabia's investment in sports as a form of sportswashing, suggesting that it is an attempt to improve the country's image on the global stage while ignoring human rights issues and political controversies.

What historical examples of sportswashing are mentioned in the script?

The script mentions Adolf Hitler hosting the 1936 Olympic Games, Argentina's military junta hosting the 1978 FIFA World Cup, and Vladimir Putin hosting events in 2014 and 2018, all while engaging in oppressive actions.

What are some of the human rights issues and controversies associated with Saudi Arabia mentioned in the script?

The script mentions jailing and executing dissidents, suppression of women's and gay rights, the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and the country's involvement in the war in Yemen.

What is the role of oil in Saudi Arabia's economy and political stability?

Oil has been the backbone of Saudi Arabia's economy, providing the government with vast wealth and influence. It has also been used to secure support and protection from other countries, helping the regime maintain power.

What is the significance of Mohammed bin Salman's (MBS) Vision 2030 Plan?

MBS's Vision 2030 Plan aims to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy away from oil dependency by investing in new industries, creating jobs, and building a new source of income and influence through a $700 billion sovereign wealth fund called the PIF.

How has MBS's leadership impacted the role of Wahhabi Islam in Saudi Arabia?

MBS has significantly reduced the influence of Wahhabi Islam, implementing reforms such as allowing women to drive, work, and travel alone, and permitting social events like music festivals and movie theaters.

What is the connection between Saudi Arabia's investment in sports and its influence abroad?

Saudi Arabia's investment in sports is seen as a strategy to build influence in other countries, particularly in the West, by appealing to sports fans and leveraging the loyalty and passion associated with sports teams.

How does the script suggest Saudi Arabia is using sports to address internal challenges?

The script suggests that sports can serve as a form of entertainment to engage the young population and potentially reduce unrest, as a high percentage of Saudis are under 35 and face unemployment.

What is the potential impact of Saudi Arabia's sports investments on the global sports landscape?

The investments could lead to a more protectionist approach by the U.S. and Europe regarding sports, but also present an opportunity for these countries and organizations to use their leverage to push for change in Saudi Arabia.