RIYADH — Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal rejected outright the allegation that Saudi Arabia is misusing sportswashing for its image building. Responding to a question from an international television host, the minister's reply was in a calm and composed manner, with a smile etched on his face. The broadcaster, Jon Wertheim of CBS Television, asked him if he had heard of the phrase sportwashing and its implications. The issue of sportswashing was examined by Wertheim during the CBS's "60 Minutes" program on Sunday night. Saudi Arabia has emerged as a major player in global sport and hosting events. Wertheim said and asked the Saudi minister: "You've heard this term sportswashing, this idea that countries can cover up bad acts through sports. Do you believe in the concept that a country can use sports this way?" Prince Abdulaziz said: "Not at all. I don't agree with that term because I think that if you go to different parts of the world then you bring people together. I think that everyone should come to Saudi Arabia and see the true picture of what it is, and then make their decision after they see for themselves." Wertheim noted through the country's sovereign wealth fund, the Saudis have also purchased Premier League club Newcastle United and established LIV Golf. Wertheim asked Prince Abdulaziz, "This flood of Saudi money into sports is just absolutely, it's a disruptor. It's completely changing the face of sports. Is that the intention?" Prince Abdulaziz replied: "Not at all. It adds a lot to the sport." Wertheim asked: "But you have to realize the impact this has." Prince Abdulaziz said, "it doesn't matter. I think if the impact of increasing the participation of sports and the interest in that sport is growing, then why not?" Wertheim noted the sports minister stated that the massive investment is an essential pillar of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Responding to the host's concern about the Kingdom's fitness to hold international sporting events, Prince Abdulaziz: "We're not saying that we're perfect, but what I'm trying to say is that these things help us to achieve a better future for our population." The minister also stressed that the sporting events and the big matches that have been taking place for some time are suitable for bringing together people from all over the world. In addition, he stressed that hosting huge sporting events benefits the Saudis and the social life in the country. It is noteworthy that for more than three years, the Kingdom has hosted various international sporting events in many fields, whether in football, tennis or boxing, as well as Formula 1, horse racing and others. Cristiano Ronaldo, the international Portuguese football star, joined Saudi club Al-Nassr a few months ago.
