‘I don’t care’: Mohammed bin Salman responds to Newcastle United sportswashing claims

Saudi Arabia crown prince Mohammed bin Salman has addressed accusations that he and the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) are ‘sportswashing,’ stating he doesn’t care.

PIF’s investments in the sporting world have been prolific over the past couple of years, leading to the takeover of Newcastle United in 2021 and earlier this year the LIV-PGA Golf Tour merger. Since then, the fund has launched a sports investment arm to grow its profile and revenues, starting with a major stake in the Professional Fighters League.

The activity has been dubbed ‘sportswashing,’ as many critics believe the kingdom is using sport to distract from its poor human rights record.

“If sportswashing is going to increase my GDP by 1%, then we’ll continue doing sportswashing,” said Bin Salman, speaking to Fox News.

“I don’t care [about the term]. I have 1% growth in GDP from sport and I am aiming for another 1.5%.”

The criminalisation of homosexuality, women’s rights abuses and executions have led to major complaints of the kingdom’s interest in sport. According to Amnesty International, over 100 executions have already taken place this year.

“Call it what you want- we are going to get that 1.5%,” Bin Salman concluded.