Saudi Arabia
It’s not just Greg Norman: Saudis sign raft of Aussies in sport splurge
Pouring billions into golf, football and now the Olympics, the oil-rich Gulf state is pressing ahead with ambitious plans despite accusations of sportswashing.
- by Chris Barrett
Latest
Analysis
Asian Cup
Four reasons why the Socceroos can get past South Korea in Asian Cup quarter-final
The Koreans will have just two days to prepare for the clash on Saturday morning after a gruelling 120-minute battle with Saudi Arabia. You might say it’s all coming up Arnie.
- by Vince Rugari
Opinion
The Fitz Files
Big-name stars have taken Saudi money, but fans aren’t buying it
No matter how much cash is thrown at getting top sportspeople on board in LIV Golf and the Saudi Pro League, the public is much more picky.
- by Peter FitzSimons
Australia will not bid to host 2034 World Cup with Saudi Arabia firm favourites
Football Australia will instead focus on winning hosting rights to the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup and an expanded men’s 2029 Club World Cup.
- by Emma Kemp
Analysis
FIFA World Cup
What are Australia’s chances of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup?
The deadline for Australia to bid on the upcoming World Cup is fast approaching.
- by Emma Kemp
Socceroos star to rub shoulders with Ronaldo, Benzema in Saudi Arabia
One of Australia’s stars at the World Cup, Craig Goodwin, is set to join the cavalcade of big names heading to Saudi Arabia – but another key Socceroo is facing a spell on the sideline.
- by Vince Rugari
‘They’re not going to stop’: First soccer and golf – will cricket be next for the Saudis?
Some call it sports washing, others call it image and reputation management. Whatever it is, Saudi Arabia’s multibillion-dollar spending spree isn’t likely to stop any time soon.
- by Lucy Cormack
Opinion
LGBTQ
Why signing this footballer may be an own goal for mega-spending Saudis
What might happen if a Premier League star noted as an LGBTQIA+ advocate elected to remain true to his values playing for his new club in Saudi Arabia? Therein lies the opportunity.
- by Darren Kane
Analysis
For subscribers
First it was LIV Golf, now Saudi Arabia is staging a $32 billion football takeover
The kingdom’s new government-sanctioned sporting target is the beautiful game – and Cristiano Ronaldo’s mega-deal with Al Nassr was just the start.
- by Vince Rugari
Saudi Arabia, Japan loom large as Socceroos handed tough Asian Cup draw
Australia’s group at the Asian Cup has been revealed – and the terrors that await in the next phase of the tournament could be keeping coach Graham Arnold up at night.
- by Vince Rugari
The $600 million man: Messi in talks over monster Saudi move
World Cup winner Lionel Messi could be on an AFC Champions League collision course with A-League clubs should he join old rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
- by Sam Wallace, Jason Burt, Tom Morgan and Mike McGrath
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/saudi-arabia-soccer-jpz