Intelligence Squared The Saudi Project, Part Three: Football Mad
Nov 30, 2023
In this enlightening discussion, James Montague, an award-winning author and journalist specializing in football and politics, unpacks Saudi Arabia's ambitious sports investments. He reveals how the country is reshaping the global football landscape with eye-popping expenditures, all driven by a quest for influence. Montague delves into the rich history of Saudi football, highlighting key milestones like the 1994 World Cup qualification and the crucial role of strategic financial investments in revolutionizing the nation’s sports culture.
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Jimmy Hill's Impact
- Jimmy Hill, a controversial figure in English football, played a key role in developing Saudi football.
- He built the Saudi Professional League and introduced modern coaching methods, contributing to their first World Cup qualification in 1994.
Drivers of Saudi Investment
- Saudi Arabia's investment in sports is driven by its vast wealth and the need to diversify its oil-dependent economy.
- This investment aims to provide entertainment and appease the young population while increasing political control.
Saudi Arabia's Influence
- Saudi Arabia's increasing financial power in sports allows them to reshape the industry's economics.
- This influence could lead to rule changes and power shifts that benefit their interests.
