Sports

Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova returns the ball to Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina during their WTA Finals tennis tournament in Riyadh on November 5, 2025. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP via Getty Images)

Explainer

From Six Kings Slam to FIFAe finals, Saudi Arabia's events derailed by war

Some of Saudi Arabia’s flagship events — across sectors including culture, entertainment and sports — have been canceled or postponed following deadly Houthi attacks over the weekend.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Manchester City's Emirati owner and UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed

Analysis

How Manchester City fallout tests Gulf’s global investment model

The Premier League’s historic financial misconduct ruling against the Emirati-owned club has sparked a media firestorm and experts say fallout could extend beyond the pitch to impact Gulf investment in sports and other industries.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

LIV Golf

Explainer

After $5B in Saudi backing, what’s next for bankrupt LIV Golf?

Saudi Arabia is likely to focus on hosting key sporting events and developing the esports scene after the failures of LIV Golf.

Barcelona

Culture

In divided Cyprus, FC Barcelona youth camp sparks new dispute: What to know

A planned Barca Academy camp in northern Cyprus has offered more fuel to the controversy over the island’s unresolved divide, rasing tensions over recognition, access and international isolation.

Latest News

Culture

Iran war hits Saudi gaming drive as Esports Nations Cup pushed to 2027

People attend the international esports gamers Next World Forum in Riyadh, Sept. 7, 2022.

Culture

How Argentina-Spain World Cup final became debate over Israel, Palestine

Flags of Spain and Argentina

Culture

What a Zidane pick to coach France means in post-Deschamps era

Zinedine Zidane, while coach of Real Madrid, attends a press conference on the eve of their FIFA Club World Cup final match against Brazilian Gremio, Abu Dhabi, Dec. 15, 2017.

France ends Morocco’s World Cup run as last Arab and African team standing

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 30: Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Manchester United's English striker Marcus Rashford (C) and Manchester City's English defender Kyle Walker (R) compete during the English FA Cup final football match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley stadium, in London, on June 3, 2023. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Qatari royal’s Manchester United takeover to be announced ‘soon’: report

Al-Watan paper, which is owned by Jassim’s father Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, reported late Sunday that the Qatari bid for the Red Devils had been successful.

A general view of the clubhouse during day two of the LIV Golf Invitational - DC at Trump National Golf Club, Sterling, Virginia, May 27, 2023.

Analysis

Saudi-funded LIV Golf merger with PGA Tour changes US sports landscape

The Saudi Public Investment Fund now holds a major stake in a US sports competition, leading to both economic and political ramifications. Criticism of the Saudi investment in professional golf is continuing, including in Congress.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

A Saudi fan holds a scarf with portraits of King Salman (L) and his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Analysis

What MBS' latest sports reforms mean for soccer in Saudi Arabia

Talk of privatization of the sports sector is nothing new in the kingdom, but experts believe the changes might help the Saudi Pro League lure in more big names.

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema to leave Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia's Pro League

Reports emerged this week that the 35-year-old French striker was offered a two-year contract worth €400 million to move to the Saudi Pro League's Al Ittihad.

Belgium's supporters with a banner to ask for protection of migrant workers' rights in Qatar.

World Cup migrant workers still detained in Qatar: report

The Guardian has confirmed that three migrant workers from Pakistan and India arrested in January after their World Cup-related contracts were terminated remain in detention to this day.

Beatrice Farhat

By Beatrice Farhat

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

Raqqa’s first ever girls’ soccer team poses outside a pitch funded by Norwegian donors, April 25, 2023.

Syrian girls play soccer among ghosts of Islamic State

Raqqa's first-ever girls' soccer team is blooming where Islamic State once terrorized the society.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Angelo Ogbonna of West Ham United battles for possession with Rodrigo Moreno of Leeds United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on May 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim awaits Manchester United decision as West Ham rumors swirl

A report by El Pais linked the Qatari royal to the east London-based team.

Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United scores the team's second goal whilst under pressure from Nelson Semedo of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on May 13, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Qatari royal submits last-ditch $6.2 billion offer for Manchester United

The updated offer, submitted Tuesday, is believed to be close to £5 billion ($6.2 billion) but shy of the current owners’ £6 billion ($7.4 billion) valuation for the soccer club.

Lionel Messi Argentina

FC Barcelona 'hugely confident' on Messi return despite Saudi bid

The Catalonian soccer team are in a tug-of-war with Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal to snap up the 2022 World Cup winner.

Lionel Messi PSG

Lionel Messi move to Saudi Arabia from PSG 'a done deal': Report

Jorge Messi said the decision on a transfer of the 2022 World Cup winner will not be taken until the end of the season.

https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/05/turkeys-erdogan-indicates-refusal-hand-over-power-event-election-loss

Cristiano Ronaldo world’s highest paid athlete at $136 million

Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ 2023 list of the highest grossing athletes playing soccer in Saudi Arabia, which also gave tens of millions of dollars in upfront guarantees to top earners Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson.

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United controls the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 30, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Qatari royal to invest $1bn more in Manchester United bid: report

Despite the sweetened offer from the Qatari banker, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe is understood to be the favorite to buy the English soccer club, according to reports.