Saudi Arabia’s entry into the international sports scene has been questioned, among other things for dealing with so-called “sports laundering”.
But the country’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman rejects the criticism.
– If sports washing will increase my country’s GDP by one percent, I will continue with sports washing, he says Fox News.
Several international championships in recent years have been accused of being used as a way to improve countries’ reputations.
Last in line among the accused is Saudi Arabia. Among other things, after the country’s state investment fund took over the English football team Newcastle and started the LIV tour in golf in 2021.
Several world-famous football stars, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, have also chosen to go to the Saudi league – in exchange for juicy contracts.
“Call it what you want”
But now the country’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman breaks his silence in an interview with American Fox News, and responds to the criticism.
– If sports washing will increase my country’s GDP by one percent, then I will continue with sports washing, he says to the TV channel.
Are you comfortable with that term?
– I do not care. I have a growth of one percent of GDP from sports and I aim for another one and a half percent. Call it what you will. We will get one and a half percent, says Mohammed bin Salman.