"Saudi Arabia's Surprising Quest to Upend Soccer's Global Hierarchy"

Saudi Arabia is making a significant investment in its domestic soccer league, the Saudi Pro League (SPL), by acquiring top international players and spending close to $1 billion in the transfer window. The country's ambition is to turn the SPL into a star-studded competition and attract global attention. Despite concerns about Saudi Arabia's poor human rights record, the government-controlled Public Investment Fund (PIF) has taken over several clubs and is splurging on big-ticket players. The investment in soccer is seen as part of a broader socio-economic plan to cater to the needs of the country's young population and maintain social stability. However, critics argue that this investment is a form of "sportswashing" to improve Saudi Arabia's image.