Saudi Crown Prince Unbothered By ‘Sportswashing’ Label

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Economic Growth Takes Priority Despite Controversy

In an exclusive interview with Fox News, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman addressed the controversy surrounding his country’s involvement in global sports, stating unequivocally that he prioritizes economic growth and development over allegations of sportswashing.

Bin Salman’s comments came in response to questions about Saudi Arabia’s significant investments in sports, which have been met with criticism from some quarters. The Crown Prince candidly stated, “If sportswashing is going to increase my GDP by 1%, then we will continue doing sportswashing. I don’t care. I have a 1% growth in GDP from sport, and I am aiming for another 1.5%. Call it whatever you want.”

Sportswashing is a term used to describe the use of sports to improve a country’s image or reputation. Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of engaging in sports investments and hosting major sporting events to divert attention from human rights concerns.

Human Rights Watch, among other organizations, has raised concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, citing incidents such as the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the execution of 81 individuals in a single day, and alleged abuses against migrant workers.

Minky Worden, Human Rights Watch’s director of global initiatives, commented on bin Salman’s stance, saying, “He’s done more than say he doesn’t care. He’s really endorsed the idea of sportswashing as a way of covering up the country’s very serious human rights abuses. We’ve now heard from the top that this is state policy.”

Saudi Arabia’s investments in sports have exceeded $50 billion since 2016, according to the human rights group Grant Liberty. These investments include hosting World Wrestling Entertainment events, international golf competitions, Formula 1 events, and substantial efforts to acquire top sports talents.

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Crown Prince bin Salman has been a driving force behind these investments as part of his Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to diversify the country’s economic, social, and cultural investments.

Critics argue that the strategy projects an image of reform while not addressing pressing human rights concerns. The concept of sportswashing, according to Worden, occurs when a country leverages major sporting events to distract from its human rights issues.

Saudi Arabia’s preparations for hosting major sporting events have also faced scrutiny due to labor conditions and infrastructure development. Worden emphasized concerns regarding the welfare of migrant workers involved in construction projects and the absence of trade unions to protect their rights.

Despite ongoing debates about sportswashing, Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup football tournament in December. This decision has drawn criticism from human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.

Accusations of sportswashing also arose when Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund acquired an 80% stake in the English Premier League soccer club Newcastle United. Amnesty International referred to the takeover as a “PR tool” to divert attention from human rights concerns.

Previously, Saudi representatives rejected the idea of sportswashing, with the sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud, stating his disagreement with the concept