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The Conversation
The Conversation
Simon Chadwick, Professor of Sport and Geopolitical Economy, SKEMA Business School

Saudi Arabia and sport: a strategic gamble aiming for economic, political and social goals

Saudi Arabia Jake Paul Tommy Fury Mohammed bin Salman Fifa World Cup

Boxing purists may argue over the sporting value of a fight between a reality TV star and a former YouTube prankster. But the commercial value of the massively hyped event in February 2023 was clear for both the contestants (Tommy Fury and Jake Paul shared a prize purse worth over US$13 million (£10.7 million) and the country which staged it – Saudi Arabia.

For while Qatar’s hosting of the Fifa men’s World Cup grabbed the world’s attention in 2022, its larger, noisier neighbour is now muscling in with even bigger sporting plans.

Saudi Arabia’s financial might – and the level of its ambition – are like Qatar on steroids. The kingdom is widely expected to launch a joint bid for the 2030 Fifa men’s World Cup, and is desperate to increase its presence in international sport.

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