Saudi Arabia confirms plans to host Olympics despite criticism on sportswashing
Saudi Arabian officials have set their sights on hosting the Olympic Games despite criticism of 'sportswashing' by the state.
Saudi Arabia has ramped up its involvement in sports over the past decade, staging massive boxing events and its PIF group purchased Newcastle United. Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal said hosting major sporting events benefits the country.
He said: "We’re open to discuss with the IOC about this (Olympics) for the future. I think Saudi Arabia has showcased that we can host such events." Before adding: "Definitely, the Olympics would be an ultimate goal for us. But we’re open to that and I think we can.”
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He added: “We’re moving towards a better society, we’re moving towards a better quality of life, a better country, for the future.
"And the facts show that hosting these events benefit our people and benefit these changes that are happening and benefits living in Saudi. I think that if there’s a benefit for the sport, then why not, whoever does it.
"If it benefits the athletes, if it benefits the sport, attracts more attention to the sport, attracts more people that want to participate in the sport, that will grow the sport for everyone."
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Saudi Arabia has recently caused controversy in the golfing world after the Saudi-backed LIV Tour was launched.
Over the weekend, Saudi Arabia was also the host of Oleksandr Usyk's victory over Anthony Joshua.
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