From sports transformation to sportswashing stereotype in Saudi Arabia: focus on lessons for African development

  • Kelechi Johnmary Ani School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • John Chimezie Onu Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Nigeria.
  • Timothy Chibuike Anyanwu Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Nigeria.
Keywords: Saudi Arabia, Sportswashing, Human Rights Management, Africa

Abstract

Sports in recent times is nolonger a source of entertainment and social peace but it has grown into a strong driver of international labour migration, tourism and economic transformation. Recently, many countries of the globe have been making efforts to transform their economy through practical investments in the area of sports. This study focuses on the outstanding transformations that have been championed by the Saudi Government in the area of sports investments, which a number of analysists have stereotyped as sportswashing. The study used secondary literature to develop its content and presented its findings on how sports have locally and internationally advanced the national and international image of Saudi Arabia thematically. It recommends that African countries must follow suit in the quest to transform her mineral resource based economy through sports in line with the sports wonders going on in the Kingdom.

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Published
2024-12-20
How to Cite
Ani, K. J., Onu, J. C., & Anyanwu, T. C. (2024). From sports transformation to sportswashing stereotype in Saudi Arabia: focus on lessons for African development. RBFF - Brazilian Journal of Futsal and Football, 16(66), 506-514. Retrieved from https://www.rbff.com.br/index.php/rbff/article/view/1472
Section
Scientific Articles - Original