Saudi Arabia World Cup: 11 new stadiums for 2034 Fifa tournament as plans are revealed

Saudi Arabia is thought to have invested more than £5bn in sport since 2021, when the country’s Crown Prince made it a key part of his strategy to diversify the economy.

It has hosted several major sporting events, including in football, Formula 1, golf and boxing, while the country’s Public Investment Fund has launched the breakaway LIV Golf series, taken control of four Saudi Pro League clubs and purchased Newcastle United.

However, the Gulf kingdom has been accused of using its investment in sport and the hosting of high-profile events to improve its international reputation – a process known as ‘sportswashing’.

It has been criticised for its human rights violations and has faced accusations over the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, women’s rights abuses, the criminalisation of homosexuality, the restriction of free speech and the war in Yemen.

The Saudi government says the investment in sport is boosting the economy, opening it up to tourism and inspiring people to be more active.

According to Fifa guidelines, countries bidding to host the event must commit to respect human rights.

Speaking to BBC Sport in December, Saudi Arabia’s sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal said claims of sportswashing against the country are “very shallow”.

“Any country has room for improvement, no-one’s perfect. We acknowledge that and these events help us reform to a better future for everyone,” he said.