Saudi Arabia's 'sports washing' needs to stop, says ex-Liverpool star

 Saudi Arabia's 'sports washing' needs to stop, says ex-Liverpool star

Karim left Real Madrid and joined Saudi club Al Ittihad

Cristiano Ronaldo or Karim Benzema are not the only ones not limited to the Saudi Football League; the league has its eyes on more star players. Among them, they have attracted the likes of Angelo Kante, Hakim Ziyech, and Ruben Neves. Even though Lionel Messi and Luca Modric did not mention Saudi, it is felt that several more footballers could go to the Middle Eastern country. Names like Neymar, Jordi Alba, and Bernardo Silva are also mentioned in these discussions.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the Saudi League next season. pic.twitter.com/ydRZL6r7Yw

— RW 🇸🇪 (@ronaldowarrior) June 5, 2023

While attention has been focused on footballers nearing the end of their careers, even those below thirty are being noticed by Saudi clubs. Those who were not being discussed in the league just six months ago are now eagerly awaited in the world of football. This is not the case for former Liverpool footballer Jamie Carragher, who prefers not to play for them.

Bernardo Silva is in his peak years & has been one of the best players in Europe for the last five years!

I wasn’t worried about the Saudi League taking players in their 30’s, a touch worried with players below the elite (Neves) but if this happens it feels like a game changer… https://t.co/hcDUbkGp30

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) June 21, 2023

Why? There is certainly a reason. Saudi Arabia has been embroiled in various controversies, including human rights issues, censorship, and numerous debates. The country in the Middle East now seeks to shine in the world through sports, with football playing a significant role.

Considerable funds are also being spent on golf. Investment talks are also heard in cricket. Suddenly, critics are referring to these activities as "sports washing." Former English footballer Carragher shares the same sentiment. According to him, this attempt by Saudi Arabia to shape its image through football should be halted.

Apart from those below thirty and those who are still in their prime, they are not interested in going to Saudi Arabia. Just a few days ago, Ruben Neves, a 26-year-old footballer, joined Al Hilal. Al Hilal also wants to acquire Bernardo Silva, the hero who defeated Real Madrid in the Champions League this season. This season, this 28-year-old footballer has played a major role in helping Manchester City win the treble. Carragher has expressed concern about the possibility of such footballers going to Saudi.

A football analyst on Twitter said, "Bernardo Silva is now in his prime. He is one of the best footballers in Europe over the past five years. I wasn't very worried about Saudi acquiring footballers over thirty. However, I was somewhat concerned about acquiring high-quality footballers (like Neves) who are close to the top stars. If that happens, it changes the game. Saudi Arabia has taken control of golf and boxing; now they want control over football as well. This sports washing needs to stop."