Saudi Arabia looks to sports investments to score influence in Egypt
Saudi Arabia has expanded its investment in the sports sector in Egypt by pumping millions into financing clubs and youth sports activities, a move that has triggered public resentment among some who see it as a means of gaining influence.
CAIRO — Saudi Arabia recently expanded its investment in the sports sector in Egypt. Turki al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Sports Authority and head of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, announced March 20 a Saudi-Egyptian action plan to support Egypt’s ability to organize the World Cup in the near future.
Sheikh’s repeated attendance of Egyptian public events, in addition to his honorary presidency of Al-Ahly soccer club and the large amounts of money he spends (unlike his predecessors), has sparked criticism and raised questions about the goals behind the Saudi spending plan on the sports sector in Egypt.
