Why the era of Saudi “sportswashing” could be over
April 16, 2026
17 min
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952 of 1,000
April 16, 2026
Why the era of Saudi “sportswashing” could be over
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Sky News Episodes Around April 16, 2026
Episode 952 of 1,000 — walk the feed in the order it was published.
17:21This episodeWhy the era of Saudi “sportswashing” could be over
Summary
<p>A multi-billion-dollar Saudi-backed golf tour is reportedly close to collapse – so could this spell an end to the Gulf state’s interest in sport?</p><p>The controversial LIV Golf Tour is just one strand of the Saudis’ sporting portfolio.</p><p>Footballing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo plays there, while the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) also owns English Premier League team, Newcastle United.</p><p>But the PIF - which has plunged $5b into the LIV project - has a new five-year economic strategy that includes no mention of sport. Having been accused of using sport as a political tool to legitimise the Saudi regime, what led to this apparent change of strategy?</p><p>Sky News’ sports correspondent Rob Harris joins Niall to discuss what it means for the future of Saudi sport.</p><p>Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: <u><a href="mailto:why@sky.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">why@sky.uk</a></u></p>
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