RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal rejected outright the allegation that Saudi Arabia is misusing sportwashing for its image building.

Responding to a question from an international television host, the minister’s reply was in a calm and composed manner, with a smile etched on his face. The broadcaster, Jon Wertheim of CBS Television, asked him if he had heard of the phrase sportwashing and its implications.

Saudi Arabia says its massive investment in sports is part of a larger strategy to transform its economy. In the program, Wertheim investigates if it is about transformation or sportswashing human rights abuses.

The issue of sportswashing was examined by Wertheim during the American channel’s “60 Minutes” program on Sunday night. Saudi Arabia has suddenly emerged as a major player in global sport, hosting events, buying teams and luring athletes with staggering contracts.

Wertheim noted the country has hosted and continues to host numerous high-profile sporting events “but to many, these mega-events in Saudi Arabia are financial loss leaders being used to launder the image of a country...,” Wertheim said and asked the Saudi minister: “You’ve heard this term sports washing, this idea that countries can cover up bad acts through sports. Do you believe in the concept that a country can use sports this way?”

Prince Abdulaziz said: “Not at all. I don’t agree with that term because I think that if you go to different parts of the world then you bring people together. I think that everyone should come to Saudi Arabia and see the true picture of what it is, and then make their decision after they see for themselves.” Wertheim noted through the country’s sovereign wealth fund, the Saudis have also purchased Premiere League club Newcastle United and established LIV Golf. Wertheim asked Prince Abdulaziz, “This flood of Saudi money into sports is just absolutely, it’s a disruptor. It’s completely changing the face of sports. Is that the intention?”

Prince Abdulaziz replied: “Not at all. It adds a lot to the sport.” Wertheim asked: “But you have to realize the impact this has.” Prince Abdulaziz said, “it doesn’t matter. I think if the impact of increasing the participation of sports and the interest in that sport is growing, then why not?” Wertheim noted the sports minister stated that the massive investment is an essential pillar of Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030. Responding to the host’s concern about the Kingdom’s fitness to hold international sporting events, Prince Abdulaziz: “We’re not saying that we’re perfect, but what I’m trying to say is that these things help us to achieve a better future for our population”

The minister also stressed that the sporting events and the big matches that have been taking place for some time are suitable for bringing together people from all over the world. In addition, he stressed that hosting huge sporting events benefits the Saudis and the social life in the country. It is noteworthy that for more than three years, the Kingdom has hosted various international sporting events in many fields, whether in football, tennis or boxing, as well as Formula 1, horse racing and others. Cristiano Ronaldo, the international Portuguese football star, joined Saudi club Al-Nassr a few months ago.

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