Christmassy Episode: Miguel Delaney on the geopolitics of football
Dec 21, 2024
auto_awesome
Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer at the Independent and author of 'States of Play,' dives into the fascinating interplay between geopolitics and football. He discusses the rising influence of Saudi Arabia in the sport, highlighting concerns over 'sportswashing' and human rights. Delaney reflects on China’s brief investment craze, contrasting it with Saudi ambitions. The chat also touches on the dichotomy between elite football and local clubs, alongside the holiday spirit, linking gift-giving to the ownership dynamics shaping the future of the sport.
The influx of Gulf state investments, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, is reshaping football's global dynamics and ambitions.
Sportswashing has emerged as a tactic for autocratic states to enhance their image while diverting attention from their human rights issues.
The growing call for regulatory reforms in football indicates a need to address financial inequalities and restore community connection in the sport.
Deep dives
The Geopolitics of Football Investments
Recent major investments in football from Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, have shifted the landscape of the sport. A notable example is Saudi Arabia's purchase of Newcastle United, a move that reflects their larger strategy of integrating into global football while promoting their domestic league. This involvement includes significant financial commitments and aspirations for the upcoming 2034 World Cup, which the country will host, emphasizing their intent to gain legitimacy and cultural acceptance. However, Newcastle's modest financial maneuvers relative to past investments by the Emirates highlight regulatory challenges in football that inhibit the kind of instant success seen with clubs like Manchester City.
Sportswashing and Its Implications
The term 'sportswashing' captures the efforts of autocratic states, particularly the Gulf nations, to improve their international image through investment in global sports. This tactic seeks to normalize the presence of these states in Western culture and divert attention from their human rights records. For instance, criticism surrounding the ownership of Newcastle faded significantly post-purchase, showcasing how football can be leveraged for political gain, distracting from deeper societal issues. As the definition of sportswashing evolves, it has become clear that these investments are less about improving the sport itself and more about preserving the autocratic power structures within these nations.
The Historical Context of Football Ownership
The corporatization of football can be traced back to significant moments in history, notably Roman Abramovich’s acquisition of Chelsea. This shift paved the way for foreign investments that introduced substantial financial power into English football, gradually transforming the landscape. It created a cycle where wealth, concentrated within a few clubs, began attracting even more investment, creating financial disparities across leagues. Furthermore, the structural issues within football's governing bodies allowed investors to prioritize profit over community engagement, severely affecting club cultures and local fanbases.
The Rise of American and Asian Interests
The interest in football from American investors reflects the sport's growing international appeal, particularly as the Premier League rises in prominence. Despite the long-standing desire to establish a foothold in North America, football has not yet reached the mainstream popularity of sports like American football. Meanwhile, China experienced a brief surge in football investments with aims for a grand domestic league; however, these ambitions faltered due to insufficient infrastructure and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, Saudi Arabia now seeks to capitalize on this gap, intensifying its investments to solidify its influence in global football.
Prospects for Reform and Future Challenges
As football grapples with significant issues related to governance and investment, there are emerging movements advocating for greater regulation and reform. An independent regulator in the UK signifies a potential shift towards addressing financial disparities and restoring the essence of community within the sport. Despite the current inflow of money into the game, there are increasing concerns about sustainability amidst growing environmental and socio-political pressures on Gulf states. Shifts toward local footballing ecosystems, reminiscent of the Wrexham narrative, suggest a potential transformation where fans seek authenticity over the hyper-commercialization driven by global investors.
Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer at the Independent is the author of states of play, a book about the geopolitics of football. You can find him on Bluesky and Twitter.
