Sports Washing

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Today Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by author James Montague to discuss his new book 'Engulfed' - exploring Saudi Arabia's massive investments in sport. James gives unique insights on the history of Saudi football, the Vision 2030 project, and how Newcastle United's takeover fits into the larger picture. You'll find out how strategic use of 'soft power' has transformed Saudi Arabia's global image through sport. The trio examine the rich football culture in Saudi Arabia, the country's evolving social landscape, and the geopolitics influencing these changes. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please subscribe and consider leaving a five-star review to help others find the show. 00:00 Introduction 00:17 James Montague's Early Works and Reviews 01:28 Re-release and Sequel: Engulfed 01:59 Saudi Arabia's Emergence in Sports 03:26 Sports Washing and Soft Power 06:47 Historical Context and Saudi Investments 11:10 Mohammad bin Salman's Rise to Power 23:57 The Khashoggi Incident and Its Aftermath 30:13 Saudi Arabia's Football Culture 31:24 Challenges of Covering Saudi Arabia 33:52 Women in Saudi Football 35:15 Jimmy Hill's Influence on Saudi Football 40:33 David Icke's Saudi Adventure 46:10 Vision 2030 and Saudi Football Investments 52:26 Neom's Football Ambitions 57:34 Conclusion and Book Promotion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first installment of a six-part series that explores the complexities and moral conundrums brought on by a World Cup hosted in Qatar. A collaboration between Men in Blazers and Crooked Media. In this episode, Rog and "Pod Save the World's" Tommy Vietor explore the idea of sports washing and examine the ways past World Cups have been co-opted by autocrats and dictators. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Miguel Delaney joined Joe Molloy on The Football Show to discuss the sports-washing infiltration in football and the magnificent Erling Haaland. Football is with thanks to Sky.