Premier didn’t question Saudi Arabia government backing in his bid to secure LIV Golf for Adelaide

Accused “sportswasher” Greg Norman reveals the Premier never raised concerns LIV Golf was backed by a government with a history of violence and oppression.

Premier Peter Malinauskas never raised any concerns with Greg Norman about the fact LIV Golf is controversially backed by a Saudi Arabian government that has a history of violence and oppression.

It comes amid a major announcement that LIV Golf will bring some of the world’s best golf players to Adelaide in April after the state government secured a landmark four-year deal with the tour.

LIV Golf has been shrouded with controversy since its launch in 2021, and Norman has been repeatedly accused of “sportswashing” – the act of using sports to give legitimacy to despots – with the Saudis.

Saudi Arabia has come under fire for its poor record when it comes to human rights, most notably in 2018 when Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi dissident journalist was assassinated by agents of the government.

But in an sit-down interview, Mr Norman told The Advertiser the financial backing by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund was not raised as an issue by Mr Malinauskas.

“That never even came up to be honest with you,” Mr Norman said.

“Whether it’s the South Australian government, whether it’s the Australian government or whether it’s the US government, they all have relationships or do business with the Saudi government.”

He said he “didn’t take stock” in the sportswashing argument.

“That’s just white noise. That’s somebody else trying to create another hurdle for us to jump,” he said.

Greg Norman and SA Premier Peter Malinauskas speak to media at Adelaide Oval. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Greg Norman, CEO of LIV Golf, at Adelaide Oval after an announcement Adelaide will be hosting an LIV Golf event in 2023. NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Mr Malinauskas said he was “very conscious of the arguments that all the establishment monopolist forces involved try and push around for their own benefit”.

“I just encourage a moment of pause and caution and a rational analysis of basic facts and what our nation’s relationship is with other countries around the world before we start instantly, buying the arguments that establishment monopolist forces within golf seek to reject,” he said.

“The simple truth is this is a an unparalleled opportunity for our state and our country in a way that is utterly appropriate and one that we’ve got an obligation to pursue, rather than the opposite.”

Speaking to The Advertiser, Mr Norman also dismissed rumours reported by Telegraph Sport that he was set to be replaced as the CEO of LIV Golf.

“There’s a lot of people out there trying to be disruptive to us because of our success, so why not try and target somebody they’ve been targeting for 12 months, right?” he said.

“I’m not going anywhere … that whole thing was just a rumour started by I think I know who. It doesn’t bother me.”

He said the future of LIV Golf was exciting as they prepared to launch the league in 2023 with 12 established team franchises.

“People will understand where the true value is going to come out of all this, which is the franchise value,” he said.

“A lot of people in the world of golf can’t comprehend it because it’s never been done before.