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<\/p>\nMohammed bin Salman has vowed to continue Saudi Arabia's sportswashing campaign despite heavy criticism from corners of the western world.<\/p>\n
And the Kingdom's 'de factor ruler' has gone so far as to say he 'doesn't care' about any scrutiny his country might face for their rampant investment across the sports industry. Saudi Arabia has become increasingly prominent in running competitions and owning individual entities through the People's Investment Fund (PIF).<\/p>\n
The sovereign wealth fund has an 80% share in Premier League club Newcastle United, while LIV has shaken up the golf world amid a rise in Saudi-based boxing events in recent years. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has also become a fixture in Formula 1 since debuting two years ago, but 'MBS' in unabashed about the nation's escalating sports footprint.<\/p>\n
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READ MORE: <\/b>LeBron James fuels Saudi Arabia rumours after being spotted in the Arab country<\/b><\/p>\n
"If sports washing is going to increase my GDP by way of 1%, then I will continue doing sport washing," he told Fox News. "I don\u2019t care. 1% growth of GDP from sport and I\u2019m aiming for another 1.5% \u2013 call it whatever you want, we\u2019re going to get that 1.5%."<\/p>\n
Sportswashing is described as a movement by countries or governments to improve their global image through investment in major sporting events or teams. Saudi Arabia has been widely criticised for its poor human rights record, performing a high level of executions and enforcing controversial restrictions on free speech, particularly among women and the LGBTQ+ community.<\/p>\n
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Premier League fans and owners previously expressed concern with the PIF's takeover of Newcastle in late 2021. The Magpies have since returned to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years after finishing fourth last season, while many of their fans now dress in Arab garb at matches in 'worship' to the owners.<\/p>\n
The PIF has also taken control of Saudi Arabia's four biggest clubs – Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr and Al Hilal – who were responsible for driving a summer of widespread splurging in the Saudi Pro League this past summer. PSG talisman Kylian Mbappe was subject to a new world-record bid to join Al Hilal, while many stars established in Europe made the jump to the world's new most lucrative league.<\/p>\n
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As well as the Champions League, TNT Sports will also be offering sports fans access to games across the Premier League, Europa League, Serie A and much more.<\/p>\n
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Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was compelled to call out the investment after it emerged treble-winner Bernardo Silva could leave Manchester City for Saudi Arabia. He also referenced the country's climbing influence in boxing and golf before tweeting: "Sports washing needs to be stopped!!!"<\/p>\n
Human rights activists continue to campaign against Saudi Arabia increasing its presence in sport, while Amnesty International has criticised the Kingdom for 'grossly unfair trials' and 'unprecedentedly lengthy prison sentences' for those who speak out. After St. James' Park recently hosted a friendly between Saudi Arabia and Costa Rica, John Hird of NUFC Fans Against Sportswashing told ChronicleLive the club was being used as "a giant billboard to deflect attention away from their many crimes."<\/p>\n