Football in the House of Saud: World Corrupt Season 2, Episode 1
Mar 16, 2024
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Delving into Saudi Arabia's investments in world football, including the takeover of Newcastle United, the podcast explores the country's rise in the sport amid controversies and societal challenges. From Cristiano Ronaldo's eye-popping contracts to hosting the World Cup 2034, the Saudis have become a key player on the global football stage, sparking debate about the cost of their investments.
Saudi Arabia's significant investments in soccer demonstrate their ambition to reshape the global sporting landscape.
The takeover of Newcastle United by the Saudi Public Investment Fund sparked both excitement and concerns among fans.
Deep dives
Saudi Arabia Invests in Sports and Soccer
Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in the sports world, including acquiring teams and investing in competitions. Their involvement in soccer, including hosting the 2034 Men's World Cup, showcases their ambition and influence in reshaping the international sporting landscape.
Implications of Saudi Presence in Newcastle United
The takeover of Newcastle United by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) raised both excitement and concerns among fans. While the team's success, including a fourth-place finish, brought optimism and visibility to Newcastle, there were also controversies regarding the ownership and the Saudi influence on the club's decision-making.
Crucial Role of Football in Newcastle
For the people of Newcastle, football plays a vital role in showcasing their city and culture. The success of Newcastle United on the pitch represents a source of pride and economic potential for a region historically neglected in terms of investment and development.
Motive Behind Saudi Arabia's Sports Interest
The growing involvement of Saudi Arabia in sports, particularly football, can be linked to political dynamics and the rise of key figures like Mohammed bin Salman. This interest transcends sports and reflects broader geopolitical strategies and shifts within the Saudi ruling structure.
Roger Bennet and Tommy Vietor are back for Season 2 of World Corrupt! And this time, Rog and Tommy are diving into how Saudi Arabia, the biggest exporter of oil in the world and a nation in the news for human rights abuses, became the latest geopolitical power player sweeping global soccer. The Saudis have poured billions of dollars into the world’s most popular sport, including signing superstar players like Cristiano Ronaldo to eye-popping contracts. But the crown jewel in the Saudi investment portfolio? That would be the take over of one of England’s most historic football clubs, Newcastle United. A team with a rich history from an impoverished corner of the country, Newcastle had fallen upon hard times…and they welcomed the Saudis with open arms. But at what cost? Listen to the first episode of this four part series to find out.
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