Saudi Arabia sports – News, Research and Analysis – The Conversation

Women walk in front of a fan zone during the Soccer Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia, 2023. Manu Fernandez/AP

December 16, 2024

FIFA has a human rights policy, so how could it award Saudi Arabia the 2034 soccer World Cup?

Keith Rathbone, Macquarie University

Does evidence support the claim that hosting a soccer World Cup promotes human rights improvements?

A passenger jet flies over the Olympic rings on display outside the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo in August 2021. India, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are among the countries considering bids to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

November 24, 2024

How repressive regimes are using international sporting events for nation‑building

Noah Eliot Vanderhoeven, Western University

Hosting international sporting events brings prestige and profit to both global sports organizations and repressive regimes, but the gains sacrifice human rights and justice for power and profit.

October 28, 2024

Is FIFA’s sponsorship deal with a Saudi‑owned oil giant really ‘a middle finger’ to women’s soccer?

Tracey Holmes, University of Canberra

More than 100 elite women’s soccer players have protested against FIFA’s sponsorship deal with Saudi-owned oil giant Aramco.

Saudi fans hold pictures of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of the AFC Asian Cup group E soccer match between Saudi Arabia and Qatar in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in January 2018. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

October 20, 2024

More than money: The geopolitics behind Saudi Arabia’s sports strategy

Aaron Ettinger, Carleton University

Saudi Arabia’s sports charm offensive is about more than money. It’s about an investment in the future prosperity and security of the kingdom and the longevity of the Saudi dynasty — and it’s working.

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