A multi-billion-dollar Saudi-backed golf tour is reportedly close to collapse – so could this spell an end to the Gulf state’s interest in sport?
The controversial LIV Golf Tour is just one strand of the Saudis’ sporting portfolio.
Footballing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo plays there, while the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) also owns English Premier League team, Newcastle United.
But the PIF - which has plunged $5b into the LIV project - has a new five-year economic strategy that includes no mention of sport.
Having been accused of using sport as a political tool to legitimise the Saudi regime, what led to this apparent change of strategy?
Sky News’ sports correspondent Rob Harris joins Niall to discuss what it means for the future of Saudi sport.
Have you got a question for the team?
Email the show – [email protected]
Follow This is Why, available for free here: https://podfollow.com/thisiswhy
Follow Niall on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skynewsniall
Follow Niall on X: https://twitter.com/skynewsniall
SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for more videos: http://www.youtube.com/skynews
Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/skynews
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skynews
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skynews
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skynews
For more content go to http://news.sky.com and download our apps: Apple https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/sky-news/id316391924?mt=8 Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bskyb.skynews.android&hl=en_GB
To enquire about licensing Sky News content, you can find more information here: https://news.sky.com/info/library-sales