#FIFA World Cup 2034 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

news365timesindia · 11 days ago

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[ad_1] Neymar Jr with kids (PC: FIFA) Brazil and Al Hilal SFC superstar, Neymar Jr believes Saudi Arabia has all the potential to be the best World Cup ever, if the Kingdom secures the right to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034. Following an exclusive tour of the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 bid exhibition, Brazil’s all-time top goal scorer and Riyadh resident has thrown his full support behind the bid. Having lived in the Kingdom for the last year and witnessed the country’s deep love of the game alongside its ambitious plans to host in 2034, Neymar Jr said: “I think it’s the best project I’ve ever seen in my life, and I’m happy to be a part of it and help out in some way. It’s incredible. They’ve thought of everything, not only for the players but also for the fans.” The tour, led by Hammad Albalawi, Head of the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 bid unit, gave the global icon a chance to immerse himself in the future and explore the bid’s five proposed host cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM through interactive digital displays. Scaled models brought to life some of the 15 incredible stadiums proposed to host the FIFA World Cup in ten years’ time. Aiming to be the first ever host of a single nation 48-team FIFA World Cup, the Saudi Arabian bid promises to be easy to get to, with 60% of the world’s population within an 8-hour flight; and easy to get around, with average internal flight-times between host cities under two hours. About players and fans being at the heart of the Saudi bid plan, Neymar Jr remarked: “Everything relates to football. They’re thinking about the players so that there are no long flights and travel time, making it easier to get from the game to the hotel and from the hotel to the game, so that we can recover faster.” In playing for Al Hilal SFC and in living in Riyadh with his family, Neymar Jr has experienced the growth and investment that has gone into growing the game in Saudi Arabia, as the country continues on its trajectory as one of the fastest and most exciting growth stories in world football. For the Latest Sports News: Click Here But it’s the warmth of the people that stands out most for the 32-year-old Brazilian, and that’s something he wants the world to embrace. “I have to admit that I was quite surprised by Saudi Arabia, by everything. Because from the outside, from a distance, we have a very different perspective of what the country is really like. When people come here, they have a different, a very positive perspective, just like I did. I was surprised. “So, it is very important for everybody from all over the world to know more about Saudi culture. I have to say that I’m very happy. My family is very happy. Today, I’ve been living here for over a year, so I’m already settled”, added Neymar Jr. Despite an unfortunate injury setback which has limited his appearances for Saudi Pro League Champions Al Hilal SFC the forward, who has featured and scored for Brazil in three different FIFA World Cup finals, has been stunned by the support he has received from local fans during his recovery. An aspect he puts down to the fresh energy of the country’s youth, with 63% of the Saudi population under the age of 30. “It creates an incredible buzz because there are so many young people, practically all around my age, who have been following my career for most of my life. So everywhere I go, I’m very well received; it’s overwhelming. I’m very grateful for the kindness that they show not only to me but to my family”, added Neymar Jr. Looking ahead Neymar Jr is keen to make an even bigger impact on the game in a county where it means so much and to help shape future generations in Saudi and beyond. “When you become a star, when you become someone important in the football world, I think your influence grows immensely. I know I have a big influence today. I’m aware of my role. Cristiano Ronaldo is a big idol, one of the biggest names in football history, and so is Benzema. Neymar Jr on the FIFA World Cup 2034 (PC: FIFA)

“So we know our power, we know our influence, and what we want is to help. We want to influence all the kids and the youth to do the right things and to bring joy to everyone with our football”, reflected Neymar Jr. Saudi Arabia’s investment in youth football development was on brilliant display as the tour demonstrated in real life the Kingdom’s commitment to grow the game for all. Dreams came true for a number of girls and boys from a Saudi Arabian Football Federation youth regional training center in Riyadh, who got to meet with and show their skills off to their footballing hero Neymar Jr. In the last three years, the number of youth regional training centers across the country climbed to 23; more than 300,000 boys and girls now play in the school’s league; there are 64 annual youth competitions across the country; and registered football coaches have jumped from 700 in 2019 to over 4,000 today. Asked whether he felt Saudi Arabia would have a good team in 2034, if they were to host, Neymar Jr was emphatic in response: “Oh, definitely, definitely. I think that not only the Saudi Pro League but also the Saudi players are getting better every year in terms of quality and competitiveness. So that means they will definitely be more competitive in 2034. “It’s a long way to go, there’s a lot of work to do, but I think they have everything to become one of the strongest teams in the tournament in 10 years’ time.” Playing and living in a country with such passion for football, with 80% of the people playing, watching or engaging in the game, has clearly had an impact on the prolific forward and brings further motivation for growth. “This opportunity to play in the Saudi league and live in their country is very important to the people. That’s why I say I’ve been welcomed here; I’m very happy, and I’m sure it can only get better. For sure, other stars will come here. I think many will have the opportunity to come here, and I think everyone should have the opportunity to experience what I’m experiencing here”. The official Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 bid – founded on the slogan ‘Growing. Together.’ – was submitted to FIFA at the end of July. The deciding vote on who will host the 2034 tournament will be made at the FIFA Congress on December 11 of this year. Also Read: Viktor Gyokeres’ potential move from Sporting to United will be one for football romantics to cherish The post “I believe it has all the potential to be the best World Cup ever”: Neymar Jr on Saudi Arabia’s plans to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

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news365times · 11 days ago

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samuelwood · 18 days ago

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Hearts and Minds of Sport, Broken and Infected

Arguably the best ever football player in history, signing for Al Nassr. A momentous day for Saudi Arabia, with elegance and history gracing the Saudi Pro League. A king crowned, a scoring sovereign, a cultured prince turned sultan bringing millions of fans to spectate the Knight of Najd. What did it take? A murdered journalist?

Boxing brilliance, an underdog story and a thrilling rematch in the works. Fans worldwide anticipating the much-wanted sequel; will it happen in the UK, the famous York Hall, or Madison Square Gardens, two boxing venues cloaked in long standing chronicles. Or maybe the very ‘historic’ Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia, constructed in 2019 to host the rematch. What did it take? $6 billion spent on sports deals?

18th December 2022; the World Cup final, two Nations ingrained with success, battling to lift the most prestigious international competition in history. One side hoping to repeat a previous triumph; another led by one of the most decorated players in football, aspiring to discover the missing trophy in his cabinet, a hidden treasure buried in the sand. The potential to be the most-watched game ever. What did it take? A corruption scandal deep within FIFA and rigged awarding of hosting the World Cups?

Three major events that won the hearts of fans worldwide, and that is how soft power really catches you.

The Evolution of Soft Power - Deception in motion

Did you ever question the reasoning of Russia and Qatar being awarded the World Cups in 2018 and 2022? Or Saudi Arabia in 2034; another tournament that will pause seasons across the globe to accommodate the harsh and scorching weather in the Middle East? As football fans, we must accept these conditions to roister the beautiful game. Nonetheless, it’s not just football that decisions are made against the will of athletes and the fans. The 2022 Winter Olympics hosted by China, a nation with a horrible human rights record, hosting a worldwide mega event. Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup will undoubtedly move eyes away from the 6500 migrant workers who died since the Middle Eastern nation were ‘awarded’ the competition. As Sohail Mamood declared, ‘Qatar’s Soft Power won the World Cup’. Expert Rothna Begum, the Senior Women's Rights Researcher at the Human Rights Watch, states 'look at the way in which the Kalafa system exists, it creates all sorts of abuses.' She further went on to say that 'from the very beginning, when migrant workers are recruited into the country, they are not supposed to be paying fees, but the vast majority of migrant workers were paying thousands of dollars to be able to come to Qatar for a job'.

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Let's delve deeper into the issue. What exactly is ‘Soft Power’? The term was coined and popularised by Joseph Nye in the late 1980s, and went on to define the post-Cold War era. Nye explains ‘Soft Power’ as the ability to shape the preferences for others, with countries resting primarily on three resources; its culture, its political values and its foreign policies. Whilst in contrast to hard power, a technique that would usually involve strategies including strong military force and economic sanctions, soft power appears a lot more positive. Soft power wants to use persuasion to achieve foreign policy objectives and communicate compelling narratives.

Despite the term only appearing in the last half century, Soft Power has been prevalent since before the Second World War. The 1936 Berlin Olympics was hosted by Nazi Germany, and it became a powerful propaganda tool for Nazi Germany as it tried to make its brutal treatment of Jews, political opponents and others seem benign. Hitler organised for six gymnasiums and other small arenas to be built, alongside a 100,000 seater track and field stadium, historically known as the ‘Olympistadion’; which recently hosted the 2024 Euros final between Spain and England. The 1936 Olympics was marred with Nazi imagery, with swastikas hung on buildings and Nazi salutes during medal ceremonies. As Andrew Nagorski wrote about in his book ‘Hitlerland’, the ‘Fuhrer uch Reichskanzler’ saw the 1936 Olympic games as an opportunity to promote his government and ideals of racial supremacy and anti-semitism. Germany topped the medal charts with a whopping 38 golds and 101 total medals, indicating how soft power and a sprinkle of corruption can make spectators believe how good you are perceived to be.

Just two years before the Berlin games, a similar event of Soft Power took place in Italy, as Mussolini’s Italy hosted the second ever World Cup. The 1930s was a decade of fascism in Europe, and Mussolini fired a huge propaganda campaign with the promotion of football as a patriotic symbol of their superiority. In addition to the fascist ideology communicated by Italy during the World Cup, Mussolini really wanted to flex Italy’s muscles as a powerful country by winning the final. Other big nations taking part boosted popularity, but a predictable Italy ‘win’ uplifted their reputation; despite certain rumours of corruption favouring the host nation, including on-field fights and illegible players…

So, soft power has been utilised for a long time. Over the course of around 100 years, you could imagine us as sports fans would catch on to the idea of soft power, and eliminate the operators. Has 21st century elite sports learnt anything about the dynamics of soft power?

The awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar blew up in the faces of FIFA as backlash was rife; especially in the media. FairSquare issued a statement to Gianni Infantino, informing him to take a ‘proactive’ stance on migrant workers’ rights in Qatar. If you try and search about the Qatar World Cup, the search results lead to many top publications criticising the hosting of the World Cup, all the controversies and FIFA. So how did Qatar achieve this event, and how did their soft power win in front of everyone's faces?

Search results regarding the Qatar World Cup

Sportswashing - Wipe away the Corruption

After watching and enjoying the 2022 World Cup, what is the most memorable moment? That Mbappe final hat-trick, Messi winning his first ever World Cup, or, for us England fans, Harry Kane blasting a penalty over the bar to see us lose to France in the quarter-finals. This is what the Qatar World Cup will be remembered for, not the horrific abusive labour practices and human rights violations. Qatar, a nation with a very little football history, became the first Country to host and qualify for a World Cup without ever playing in one previously. As their team lined up on the 20th November 2022, Ecuador promptly washed them away with two first-half goals to eventually win 2-0. Qatar never wanted to do well at the World Cup. It's not about results on the pitch, it's about their reputation.

The original use of ‘sportswashing’ and who coined it has been hard to pin, yet it has been snowballing in popularity in the last two decades. Sportswashing - the act of aligning with with an athlete, sports team, or event in order to distract from unethical practises elsewhere - was first thought to be associated with Beijing hosting the 2008 Olympics, with China hoping to distract from their human right’s violations.

For the gulf nation, the rush to host a World Cup was to establish an image as a global powerhouse, and to fulfil the ideology of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-thani, the emir of Qatar, by economically developing the country. However, the movement of money crashed against a wall of controversy. Being the smallest ever country to host a World Cup, Qatar had to invest heavily to ensure everyone would remember Qatar as the Country who organised an amazing event, made even better by the exciting footballing moments. Forbes estimates Qatar splashed well over $200 billion on the World Cup, from new elite hotels, airport renovation, upgrades to public transport all over the country and eight new, grand spanking stadiums to watch corrupted football. Qatar’s reputation certainly skyrocketed with the World Cup, but for the wrong reasons. During the building of this luxury infrastructure, the Guardian reported that workers were forced into labour, a form of modern slavery. Workers were being forced to live in unsanitary and overcrowded accommodation, with some workers alleging they were not being paid and not allowed to return back home. The Supreme Committee, the organising body associated with the World Cup, announced they were ‘deeply concerned’ with the allegations, and an investigation was being conducted. However, we all know it was their plan in the first place.

The day Lionel Messi lifted the golden World Cup trophy, iconically wearing a black robe, a ‘bischt’ in Qatari culture, over 6500 migrant workers had been murdered for that moment. Of the over 1.5 billion spectators that watched the World Cup final between Argentina and France, I wonder how many were questioning the ethical nature of the competition. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-thani handed Messi the bischt, with blood on his hands.

It wasn’t just the years leading up to the tournament, even at the beginning of the 2022 World Cup, there was controversy around the Middle Eastern’s law when it came to homosexuality. The ‘Islamic Sharia Law’ forbids same-sex relations and there were big questions about the safety of the LGBTQ+ community leading into this global event. How are you supposed to host a World Cup and omit an entire minority based on their sexuality? For FIFA, mega events like the World Cup can be seen as opportunities to move forward as a society, especially in regards to the safety given to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Josh Cavallo, an Australia U20 international, came out as gay in October 2021, becoming the first top flight footballer to do so. Cavallo stated he felt ‘excluded’ and ‘disappointed in FIFA’ for letting Qatar host the World Cup.

However, the worst was yet to come on this issue. Following numerous questions about the safety of gay people in Qatar, FIFA president Gianni Infantino came out with a humorous press conference protecting Qatar; in which he said ‘he felt gay’, trying to emulate the emotional feelings of gay people surrounding issues with the World Cup. To top it all off, Infantino said he felt ‘disabled’ and he felt like ‘a migrant worker’.

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Despite all of the negativity around the World Cup, it will still be remembered as the tournament when Messi finally won. The minds of the public and fans are thinking about results, and not what happens behind the scenes.

Human Rights expert Rothna Begum commented that 'It's incredibly concerning the way in which governments of regions that have terrible human rights records are buying up sports teams, and getting involved this way through sportswashing efforts.' She added 'its difficult for that sports team to talk about it (sportswashing), its difficult for those fans to condemn this government, when they are financing their favourite football team'.

The Premier League first denied the takeover due to the Saudi involvement, but in 2021, the Premier League released a statement in which they confirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not control the club. Nevertheless, the Saudi state does not control Newcastle United, but since the takeover, they have been happy to splash the cash on transfers on players like Tonali, Isak and Gordon. This sportswashing act is even more hidden than others. After the years of hurt under Mike Ashley, the ‘Saudi’ private investment fund spent a load of money and hurled Newcastle into the Champions League. I wonder what the opinion of Newcastle fans will be over Saudi Arabia, as they walk away with an improved reputation and another successful sportswashing scheme.

In the hearts and minds of Newcastle fans, they know it's wrong, however, they can’t help but love the success.

Greenwashing - The cost of being environmentally ethical

As sportswashing was on the rise, a different type of washing was always prevalent, but not always in the sporting world. ‘Greenwashing’ is when companies use PR tactics to appear environmentally friendly, without ever doing the hard work to reduce their environmental impact. The term was coined back in 1986 by environmentalist Jay Westerveld and features in sports more than you think. Major climate polluters have been accused of sportswashing, in numerous different sports. Manchester City released a ‘greener’ transport and travel way for fans to get to games in a ‘greener’ way. They included that ‘more bike racks have been added, and a city link walk through for fans. This is the standard for greenwashing, as the Citizens’ main sponsor is Etihad Airways, who release a heinous amount of carbon emissions every year. In 2023, Etihad Airways ‘sustainable aviation’ ads were banned in the UK; as a UK advertising watchdog judged that Etihad mislead consumers over the environmental impacts of flying. These greenwashing attempts are keeping Manchester City’s environmental reputation very positive, whilst their sponsors are indulging in heavy environmental damage every year.

On the other side of Manchester, the Red Devils aren’t squeaky clean on their greenwashing record, as INEOS taking over Manchester United is a huge scheme to cover up the harm that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s company actually does. Fossil Fuel companies worldwide have been revealed to invest over $4 billion in greenwashing acts, to divert attention away from their climate carelessness. INEOS faced backlash in Grangemouth, Scotland, as their biggest facility is responsible for emitting 3.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2019, and it has been argued if their carbon dioxide holding facilities are reliable at keeping in emissions and not releasing them into the atmosphere. In addition, INEOS’ sponsor of Team Sky in cycling has further pushed greenwashing claims as Ratcliffe’s company hides behind sporting organisations to turn eyes away.

Despite both of these, will United or City fans promote backlash against their clubs, or will hearts in elite sports let greenwashing and soft power take over. As a Manchester United fan myself, I feel almost powerless.

Will soft power and sportswashing/greenwashing ever stop? The biggest stakeholders in this current predicament are the fans. The fans have the power; they can protest against their club, protest against FIFA and protest for a better sporting world. The question really is if they will. Manchester City fans off the back of a treble will be as happy as Larry.

From the Premier League to the World Cup, to any sports in between, it seems that soft power and sportswashing is relevant and accelerating to rates that are unstoppable. Any nation or company can now use a sporting team as a shield for backlash and make themselves the light in the darkness for fans, whereas they are the dark in the light for the rest of the world.

#Youtube

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heartsandmindsofsport · 18 days ago

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Hearts and Minds of Sport, Broken and Infected

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Three major events that won the hearts of fans worldwide, and that is how soft power really catches you.

The Evolution of Soft Power - Deception in motion

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Search results regarding the Qatar World Cup

Sportswashing - Wipe away the Corruption

Embed from Getty Images

youtube

It's not just nations that are sportswashing. Companies are sports washing and it is appearing everywhere, especially in the Premier League. The pinnacle of English football is guilty, and in ways that you may not expect. Most recently, Newcastle United were taken over by a Saudi-led consortium in 2021, with the reigns being taken off Mike Ashley, who left St. James’ Park and took his Sports Direct advertising with him. When former Director of Newcastle, Amanda Stavely, was asked about Saudi Arabia’s human rights concerns, she stated they took the records ‘very seriously’, but reiterated the takeover was not a Saudi state, but a Public Investment Fund. The Premier League first denied the takeover due to the Saudi involvement, but in 2021, the Premier League released a statement in which they confirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not control the club. Nevertheless, the Saudi state does not control Newcastle United, but since the takeover, they have been happy to splash the cash on transfers on players like Tonali, Isak and Gordon. This sportswashing act is even more hidden than others. After the years of hurt under Mike Ashley, the ‘Saudi’ private investment fund spent a load of money and hurled Newcastle into the Champions League. I wonder what the opinion of Newcastle fans will be over Saudi Arabia, as they walk away with an improved reputation and another successful sportswashing scheme.

Embed from Getty Images

In the hearts and minds of Newcastle fans, they know it's wrong, however, they can’t help but love the success.

Greenwashing - The cost of being environmentally ethical

Embed from Getty Images

From the Premier League to the World Cup, to any sports inbetween, it seems that soft power and sportswashing is relevant and accelerating to rates that are unstoppable. Any nation or company can now use a sporting team as a shield for backlash and make themselves the light in the darkness for fans, whereas they are the dark in the light for the rest of the world.

#sportswashing #greenwashing #soft power #qatar #world cup #Youtube

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maxtaylor5803 · 19 days ago

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From Oil Fields to Sports Fields: Saudi Arabia’s Power Over the Sporting World.

By Max Taylor

In the past five years, Saudi Arabia has become a major player on the global sports stage, going beyond it's traditions to embrace a new era of competition. From hosting high profile events across the country such as Formula 1 races and international golf tournaments to investing heavily in the Saudi Pro League with household names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, the kingdom is redefining it's identity through sport. The country is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup making it the second time in 12 years the tournament has been held in the Middle East and makes the country one of the new homes for sport in the world.

(The Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been investing in different sports in Saudi Arabia and also internationally) Credit: Joe Pompliano

The transformation not only reflects a strategic vison for the economy but also a massive cultural shift as the nation seeks to connect with a more broad and diverse audience across the world. Saudi Arabia is also gradually embracing a more westernized approach becoming more acceptant with different lifestyles and cultures to further their ambitions as a leading nation in sport.

Saudi Arabia located in the middle east has significant Islamic history as the birthplace of the religion. Saudi Arabia today still remains the central hub for Islam housing the two holiest cites for Muslims, Mecca and Medina. Saudi Arabia is also the world’s biggest oil exporter making them as country extortionary amounts of money.

With Major events like Riyadh Season they have quickly become a celebration of culture and entertainment showcasing different events that highlight the country’s transformation. Over the past year the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh has started to get some of the best fights and events in combat sports history due to Riyadh Season and the backing of the Saudi government. The events have significantly boosted brand visibility and engagement, leading to lucrative partnerships as companies capitalize on the heightened interest in entertainment and tourism.

The events also offer Saudi Arabia to promote their own culture as the events attract international visitors and gives them an understanding of their culture.

As Saudi Arabia continues to invest and develop its sports culture, boxing and other combat sports such as MMA and pro wrestling have emerged as a massive sport that take place at Riyadh Season attracting both international and local interest.

(Over a million people have visited Riyadh Season since its birth and has now become a massive part of the sporting world)

From the first big fight in 2018 when Antony Joshua fought Andy Ruiz Jnr to now you have seen impressive growth and stability thanks to Riyadh Season and the impressive cards it keeps producing. It almost seems as if everyone should be happy with what Saudi Arabia is doing for the country but is that the case?

Sports Washing and Soft Power

Saudi Arabia has come under huge criticism for its human rights record, with restrictions on freedom of speech or expression, gender inequality and extremely harsh punishments for dissent. Despite the ongoing international scrutiny, the Saudi government has implemented limited reforms while continuing to suppress political opposition and impose restrictions on civil liberties.

Human Rights advocates have argued that the lack of progress on the situation highlights a systemic disregard for individual freedom and is being overshadowed by the country’s alliances and economic interests.

The situation very much complicates international effects to promote human rights as many nations have economic ties and security partnerships to Saudi Arabia. There are also accusations of Hypocrisy towards foreign policy due to this.

As a result, many have called for a more robust and principled approach to engagement with Saudi Arabia urging governments to prioritize human rights in trade deals and agreements to try and foster a meaningful change in the kingdom.

The kingdoms’ aggressive push for visibility on the global stage has raised massive concerns about sports washing, a tactic that’s been employed to improve the counties image whilst overshadowing its human rights issues. By investing in international sports such as Boxing, MMA and WWE to acquiring a stake in football club Newcastle United, Saudi Arabia aims to reshape its worldwide reputation and exert soft power, effectively diverting the attention away from their domestic problems.

In a recent article posted on the guardian by Ruth Michaelson, it states that Saudi Arabia has spent £4.9bn in sports deals since early 2021 which was more than quadruple the amount spent over a 6-year period.

Read the article Here

Other events have also attracted attention for sports washing and the Saudi Government exerting soft power and influence on the world.

Riyadh Season has expanded its brand internationally, highlighted by a major British title fight at Wembley Stadium where Antony Joshua faced Daniel Dubois earlier this year. Faced with major backlash from British press and British boxing fan alike the Saudi Arabia national anthem was sung before the main event.

Also, there was some backlash over the fact the people were handing out free programmes promoting Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Season. These Programmes contained Saudi tourism and Events and people didn’t feel it was right to be constantly handed and fed Saudi information.

Lucas Accardo who attended the event at Wembley Stadium said “You were constantly handed Saudi Propaganda when walking down Wembley way, Outside the Stadium and also inside”. “You could see people been forced to take it and then throwing it in the bin Which makes the whole process pointless though I don’t care about as we had a mega fight thanks to Saudi Arabia”.

(Accardo was in attendance at Wembley Stadium for the stacked Riyadh Season card) Credit: Lucas Accardo.

“Riyadh Season has totality reinvented boxing as we know it, we are now getting the best and biggest fights in the world and its all down to them”. “In the past year we have seen Tyson Fury vs Usyk a title unification match and a match that we wouldn’t have expected if it wasn’t for Riyadh season’

He further added “the money that Riyadh season and the Saudi government are offering is definitely a factor in why we are getting the best fights now but let it carry on as I feel entertained and excited about what else is to come”

Accardo also commented on the fact the Saudi national anthem was played inside Wembley Stadium stating “If that’s what it takes to get the bests fights to happen in England I’m completely fine with it”.

This comes after comments made by Matchroom Chairmen Eddie Hearn commenting on the decision. Hearn commented after the backlash defending the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority and the chairman Turki Alalshikh who’s an advisor in the country’s royal court.

When Speaking about Turki he said he was more than entitled to have the anthem played as a ‘sign of respect’. ‘He’s given British boxing, all the fighters, all the fans, the best night, he’s paid for it all.

WWE is another company to commit a long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia hosting major Pay Per Views across the kingdom and showcasing its biggest stars in their stadiums. While featuring high profile matches with iconic wrestlers that the kingdom, WWE expand its global reach, showing cultural exchange and providing fans in the region with a quality live experience.

Over this last weekend WWE hosted a premium live event in the Kingdom known as Crown Jewel. This thrilling event saw all of WWE major talent fight in the country including Roman Reigns and WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes.

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(Cody Rhodes won his champion vs champion match against Gunther in Saudi Arabia Last Weekend).

There was also Women Fighting on the card showing Saudi Arabia progressing as previously women have been unable to fight on the card. Also, there were chants of WrestleMania (The Biggest WWE event) being screamed when Director Triple H was on stage leading to speculation that the event could take place in the Kingdom soon.

WWE host Crown Jewel every year in Saudi Arabia that has become a massive feature on the Wresting Calendar in recent years but it didn’t start that way. The show which first took place in 2018 faced a number of challenges that nearly killed off its reputation. From Saudi officials asking for dead wrestlers to appear at the show tied with the controversy surrounding the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the show faced serious backlash.

The 2019 Broadcast of the show was abruptly cut after WWE and Saudi Arabia faced money disputes. After the Show WWE planes faced alleged ‘mechanical issues’ which meant they were unable to make it to the planned Smackdown Live show the following night but many on the scene reported that the planes were grounded by the Saudi government on purpose.

(The crown Prince pictured with ex WWE chairman Vince Mcmahon (Left) and WWE Chief Content Creator Triple H (Right) with the WWE Championship) Credit: Forbes.

In an article written by Fightful, a unnamed wrestler known as CW-2 due to lawsuits told them about how he and other wrestling legends such as Hulk Hogan and Rick Flair were told ‘Someone doesn’t want us to leave the country’ as they were left stranded on a place. He also went to add that that there was a ‘ton of guards blocking the exit’.

You can read the Fightful article Here

The Seriousness of this incident shows The Kingdoms power over companies and the damaging effect it can have on future shows as WWE had no one to wrestle for them the following night and had to use developmental talent to carry the SmackDown Live show the next night.

But, WWE have reignited their partnership with Saudi Arabia and now proceed to to make outstanding showcases in the kingdom gaining praise from fans internationally.

But as WWE in Saudi Arabia captures global attention, the excitement surrounding the Saudi Pro League is also gaining momentum, showcasing the country’s growing influence in sports.

Will the Pro League Rival the Prem?

The Saudi Pro League (Saudi top-flight football division) is experiencing a massive surge in investment, with billions of pounds being put into their football teams to attract some of the best names in the football enhancing the leagues infrastructure.

The league is committed to acquiring high profile players and coaches whilst the financial status of the country aims to promote Saudi Arabia as a significant player in world football. Over the past year greats of the game such as Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo have moved to the kingdom to play the game that they love and are receiving massive wage rises in their contracts even though they are both over the age of 30.

With a major financial backing and growing number of international stars, the Saudi Pro League could be poised to challenge the dominance of the Premier League and potentially transforming the global football landscape in the future.

Despite the lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, Many Footballers still aspire to play in Europe, driven by the prestige of the big leagues and the chance to showcase their talent on the biggest stage in the UEFA Champions league. This desire often stems from the competitive environment and rich history the competition has to offer.

However, the Saudi Pro League is rapidly growing and now gives good reasons why players may consider it seriously.

(Players like Ronaldo get millions of pounds for posting on social media Look below).

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In an article by Rayhan Uddin for Middle eastern Eye, they discussed footballers making the move to Saudi. In this article, they presented a quote from Journalist Mostafa Mohamed.

Read Here.

‘For some Muslim players Approaching the twilight of their careers, the opportunity to experience and live in a Muslim nation is an attraction’

This article came after the ballon d’or winner at the time and also someone who practices Islam Karim Benzema moved to Pro League when he signed for Al-Ittihad and promotes the nation saying he’s planning to learn Arabic.

But will the Saudi Pro League ever rival the Premier League? The answer is yes potentially considering the amount of money being invested into the league and the fact that teams in the Pro League are gaining worldwide recantation due to the stars the teams have.

What’s the next steps for the Kingdom?

The 2034 world cup is set to take place in the kingdom allegedly beating Australia to host the biggest competition in the world. With Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and also rules about relationships with people from the same sex, drinking alcohol and also freedom of speech, the question should be how have they got it and should they host it?

But like the previous World Cups in Qatar who have similar human rights issues and Russia who are now currently at war with neighboring country Ukraine, FIFA haven’t had an issue with hosting in countries with human rights issues and have produced great tournaments. Well known pundits such as Gary Neville feel that we should address the issues in the counties.

Riyadh Season will again be hosting the 2nd bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on the 21st December, a fight that unified all the world titles earlier this year.

Info on times and where to buy it Here.

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Saudi Arabia’s strategic investments in sport enables the nation to change its public perception and its global image. By hosting major events with some of the best athletes in the world, the kingdom does look to be using its soft power to influence and showcase their views and traditions. But by doing this they are limiting the audiences that can attend.

They might’ve won the hearts of mind of their nation but there’s still a long way to go if they want to win over the entire world.

#kingdom of saudi arabia #football #boxing #riyadh season #soft power #sportswashing #saudi arabia #world cup #wwe #ufc #combat sports #saudi pro league #cr7 #cristiano ronaldo #Instagram

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humanrightsupdates · 24 days ago

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Saudi Arabia: Flawed Assessment of World Cup Bid

Law Firm at Risk of Being Linked to Abuses

(New York) – A flawed human rights assessment of Saudi Arabia’s FIFA 2034 World Cup bid by AS&H Clifford Chance, part of the global partnership of London-based law firm Clifford Chance, leaves the global firm at risk of being linked to abuses which result from the tournament, 11 organizations, including Human Rights Watch, said today.

AS&H Clifford Chance, which is based in Riyadh and sits within Clifford Chance’s integrated global partnership, produced an “independent human rights context assessment” that was published by FIFA. The assessment has helped pave the way for Saudi Arabia to be confirmed as 2034 hosts on December 11, 2034. But it contains no substantive discussion of extensive and relevant abuses in Saudi Arabia, documented by multiple human rights organizations and UN bodies, and has formed the basis of Saudi Arabia’s human rights strategy for the tournament, which was described by Amnesty International as a “whitewash.”

The 11 organizations, which include a Saudi Arabian diaspora organization, Gulf human rights groups, and labor organizations, as well as Football Supporters Europe, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, wrote to Clifford Chance’s Global Managing Partner, setting out in detail all the concerns in a statement and inviting the authors to publish an updated report. The firm, which says that it works in partnership with “some of the world’s leading NGOs and civil society organizations,” said in response that it would be “inappropriate” to offer any further comment on the report and shared a link to publicly available company policies.

“It has been clear for more than a year now that FIFA is determined to remove all potential obstacles to make sure it can hand Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman the 2034 World Cup,” said James Lynch, co-director of the FairSquare human rights organization, which led the joint approach to the law firm. “By producing a shockingly poor report, AS&H Clifford Chance, part of one of the world’s largest law firms that makes much of its human rights expertise, has helped to remove a key final stumbling block

#human rights #fifa #world cup #saudi arabia

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h1p3rn0v4 · 1 month ago

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Dixon, que representa a la viuda del disidente saudí Jamal Khashoggi , Hatice Cengiz, dijo que la FIFA no había respondido al informe. “Estamos pidiendo a la FIFA, con su orgullosa historia de adoptar una postura a favor de los derechos humanos, que haga exactamente eso ahora mismo y simplemente no es suficiente no responder en absoluto a nuestro informe”, dijo. “Tiene que haber una consulta. Las cosas tienen que cambiar si Arabia Saudita va a ser considerada para la Copa del Mundo. No podemos tener recomendaciones vagas o escenarios falaces”.

#world cup #football #sport #fifa #football politics

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d2kvirus · 1 month ago

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10/10/24 Fact or Fiction

Statement #1: The CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre Hell in a Cell match at Bad Blood was the best WWE match of 2024 so far. FICTION - Putting aside the hilarity that the same people who bemoaned Swerve/Hangman at All Out was "Too violent" have been gushing about Punk/McIntyre (like I wasn't going to mention that little double standard right out of the gate...), but I'd personally go for the Gunther/Sheamus match from the KOTR tournament on Raw a few months ago given seeing Gunther and Sheamus beating the unholy piss out of each other is my jam and they always bring something out of each other

Statement #2: You are excited for ANOTHER Kevin Owens heel turn. FACT - Owens always kicks it up another gear when he's heel, even when he has Jericho leeching off him at the time, so no matter what he will deliver - though I am worried they may have turned him heel just so Cody had a program for another PPV cycle or two, though hopefully he has direction beyond that

Statement #3: WWE has successfully “sportswashed” Saudi Arabia for the WWE fanbase. FACT - While it seems unfair to single out WWE specifically, given Saudi Arabia sportswashes on an industrial scale and that same criticism can be aimed at the Premier League for letting the Newcastle takeover go through, FIFA for awarding them the 2034 World Cup or the entire sport of golf for prostrating themselves, WWE kissing the ring certainly helped - as that obvious burner giving Goalfather and myself the most centrist type of pro-Saudi nagging the other day demonstrates...

Statement #4: You definitely want to try Wendy’s Saucy Nuggs after it was featured in advertising all around the arena during the Bad Blood main event. FICTION - For a start I don't believe they're on the menu of the UK wing of Wendy's, or the branch in my neck of the woods has already been abandoned to die already, but TBH I've never been someone who will rush out for chicken nuggets anyway - and certainly not to Gatwick for them...

Statement #5: The bodyslam is an outdated wrestling move. FICTION - The bodyslam isn't outdated, but mainly because it still works perfectly for a visual: if you have a match between competitors with an obvious size differential it's always a cool visual to see the larger guy effortlessly pick up the smaller guy like they're nothing and spike them into the mat, and it has to be said it's also a useful move to have in the toolkit for plunder matches as a bodyslam onto a pair of standing chairs or a pile of thumbtacks/Lego bricks/D&D dice is a simple setup and execution that will get the desired reaction from the crowd

Statement #6: Ricochet will be a regular main event-er in AEW over the next few years. FICTION - Unless he gets a manager, I can't see him getting settled in AEW's main event scene because there's no way to build headline programs without promos and Ricochet would get eaten alive by so many potential opponents not just because they'd smoke him on the mic, but his lack of promo ability would get horribly exposed and him talking would potentially do more harm than good

#fact or fiction #factorfiction

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