Saudi Arabia's World Cup Deal: A High Stakes Gamble on Sports Diplomacy Saudi Arabia's recent partnership with FIFA, making the kingdom an official tournament supporter of the World Cup, has generated a mixed reaction.
While some see it as a genuine attempt to diversify the economy and tap into the global sports market, others view it as another chapter in Saudi Arabia's notorious sportswashing efforts.
Sportswashing refers to the practice of using sports investments and events to improve a country's public image and deflect attention from human rights abuses.