November 2023
Was Saudi Arabia’s World Cup win an inside job?
Australia and other potential bidders for the 2034 soccer tournament didn’t go ahead, raising questions about possible FIFA favouritism.
- Tariq Panja
August 2023
Neymar makes $152m Saudi switch as kingdom’s ambitions grow
The Brazilian soccer star has reportedly signed with the Saudi league after agreeing a deal with Paris St Germain.
- Fahad Abuljadayel
Why Saudi Arabia is spending a fortune on luring big sporting names
The kingdom says the splurge will help its plan to diversify its economy away from oil. But critics say it amounts to “sportswashing”.
- The Economist
June 2023
Messi spurns $600m Saudi offer to help Beckham’s Miami dream
The Argentine superstar is being offered a profit-sharing agreement with Adidas and Apple, The Athletic reported, citing people familiar with the transaction.
- Updated
- Felipe Marques and Anna Jean Kaiser
May 2023
Lionel Messi in talks for $600m deal with Saudis
Saudi Arabia is preparing to offer football star Lionel Messi a $600 million annual contract to play with the Saudi Pro League this summer.
- Tom Morgan
November 2022
Mercurial Mbappe fires France into last 16 after win over Denmark
Lionel Messi reignites Argentina’s hopes in win over Mexico; France is first to advance after beating Denmark; Australia has it all to play for after beating Tunisia; giant killing Saudis fall short against Poland.
- Philip O'Connor
Here’s what happened in the World Cup overnight
The Socceroos took on reigning champions France, Mexico battled Poland, Denmark fought Tunisia – and worst-ranked Saudi Arabia shocked favourites Argentina.
- Julien Pretot
October 2021
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Soccer’s latest megadeal is no Ted Lasso-type tale
The takeover of Newcastle United by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund continues private capital’s push into sport. But it has also raised claims of “sportswashing”.
- James Thomson