Saudi Pulls LIV Funding, Sports Future in Doubt

Saudi Arabia's decision to cease funding LIV Golf has plunged the future of the breakaway golf tour into question and raised concerns about the kingdom's extensive sports portfolio. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has invested tens of billions in establishing Saudi Arabia as a global sports hub, stated it remains committed to sports despite withdrawing from LIV.

The kingdom hosts numerous major events including boxing, Formula 1, tennis, and horse racing, and will stage the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Critics have previously accused Saudi Arabia of using sports to "sportswash" its human rights record, including the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite assurances that sports investments continue, PIF's withdrawal from LIV marks a potential shift in the country's sports strategy. afrikasportnews.co.za