Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 09:41 am
Grant Liberty, a UK-based human rights organisation, has released its latest report highlighting a concerning rise in the scale of investment in the sports industry by Saudi Arabia. Despite well-documented human rights abuses, the report reveals that sports figures and brands have accepted lucrative deals with the country, compromising their moral stance.
One example of this is Cristiano Ronaldo’s $75 million per year contract with Al Nassr FC, one of the top 4 Saudi teams owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). All investment decisions are controlled by MBS as the Chairman.
The softening of political stances, including President Joe Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia in July 2022 and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s contemplation of inviting MBS to 10 Downing Street, adds to the disconcerting trend.
The report also sheds light on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to portray an illusory image of progressiveness through extensive sports investments in boxing, golf, football, esports, tennis, UFC, horse racing, chess, motorsports, and wrestling, which critics argue serve as distractions from human rights abuses in the country.
Since Muhammad bin Salman (MBS) assumed power in 2015, the problem has worsened. Over 300 prisoners of conscience remain in Saudi prisons and harsh sentences have been imposed on those who dare to raise their voices against the regime.
Grant Liberty is calling on the international community to take a firm stance against sportswashing and hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its actions. “It is crucial for human rights organisations, athletes, and fans to unite in condemning sportswashing,” said Lucy Rae, Director of Grant Liberty.
About Grant Liberty:
Grant Liberty is a UK-based human rights organisation dedicated to promoting freedom, justice, and human rights worldwide. Its mission is to create a world where everyone can live with dignity and freedom, advocating for individual rights, supporting prisoners of conscience, and raising awareness about human rights abuses.
Grant Liberty has released a report showing a concerning rise in the scale of investment in the sports industry by Saudi Arabia. Despite well-documented human rights abuses, the report reveals that sports figures and brands have accepted lucrative deals with the country, compromising their moral stance.
One example of this is Cristiano Ronaldo’s $75 million per year contract with Al Nassr FC, one of the top 4 Saudi teams owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). All investment decisions are controlled by MBS as the Chairman.
The softening of political stances, including President Joe Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia in July 2022 and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s contemplation of inviting MBS to 10 Downing Street, adds to the disconcerting trend.
The report also highlights Saudi Arabia’s efforts to portray an illusory image of progressiveness through extensive sports investments, which critics argue serve as distractions from human rights abuses in the country.
Grant Liberty is calling on the international community to take a firm stance against sportswashing and hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its actions. “It is crucial for human rights organisations, athletes, and fans to unite in condemning sportswashing,” said Lucy Rae, Director of Grant Liberty.
