Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in sports to boost its global profile, attract tourism and promote social reforms. Among other investments, the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, PIF, has been buying football clubs and hiring big-name players. Critics accuse the country of using sports as a tool to deflect from human rights abuses, a tactic known as 'sportswashing'. The PIF denies this, saying reforms and initiatives are aimed at advancing Saudi Arabia or improving the lives of its people. The country's ambitions to win a bid to host a future World Cup have prompted a major push to promote football, although the Saudi Pro League still lags behind major European competitions in terms of revenue and popularity.
Here are the key facts extracted from the provided text:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and joined the Saudi League.
2. Neymar is leaving Paris Saint-Germain to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
3. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia is actively investing in various sectors, including sports and entertainment.
4. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, is known for his love of soccer.
5. The PIF bought a majority stake in English soccer club Newcastle United in 2021.
6. The Saudi Pro League is the top men's professional soccer league in Saudi Arabia.
7. The English Premier League generates significantly more revenue than the Saudi Pro League.
8. The merger between the PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf is expected to create a global entity for golf.
9. Saudi Arabia has been investing in various sports and entertainment events to increase its international profile.
10. Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of using sports as a tool to distract from human rights issues, a practice known as 'sportswashing.'
11. Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for its human rights record, including the imprisonment of activists and dissenters.
12. Saudi Arabia is aiming to project a positive image internationally through its investments in sports.
13. There is competition among Gulf nations for prestige and international recognition, possibly driven by Qatar's hosting of the 2022 World Cup.
14. Saudi Arabia may be seeking to host a World Cup in the future to further solidify its progressive image.
15. Saudi Arabia has a young population interested in soccer and a growing tourism sector.
16. Investment in soccer by Saudi Arabia has increased the global focus on the country, both positively and negatively.
Please note that these facts have been extracted from the text without including opinions.