{"id":35698,"date":"2026-06-07T09:50:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-07T09:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/07\/from-attracting-star-players-to-hosting-the-world-cup-saudi-arabia-has-spent-billions-to-disrupt-soccer\/"},"modified":"2026-06-07T09:50:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-07T09:50:00","slug":"from-attracting-star-players-to-hosting-the-world-cup-saudi-arabia-has-spent-billions-to-disrupt-soccer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/07\/from-attracting-star-players-to-hosting-the-world-cup-saudi-arabia-has-spent-billions-to-disrupt-soccer\/","title":{"rendered":"From attracting star players to hosting the World Cup, Saudi Arabia has spent billions to disrupt soccer"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

Saudi Arabia canceled one of them. Biggest upset in World Cup history<\/span> They defeated powerful Argentina four years ago in Qatar. <\/p>\n

It turned out that that stunning victory over Lionel Messi and the eventual champions was just the beginning of a campaign to destroy the world of football. Perhaps no country has done more to shake up the world’s most popular sport. <\/p>\n

Within weeks, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first of many superstars to be replaced. Swap Europe and Saudi leagues<\/span> The five-time Ballon d’Or winner declared: “My work in Europe is finished. This is a new challenge.”<\/p>\n

Karim Benzema has been poached from Real Madrid. Brazilian icon Neymar also moved to the oil-rich kingdom. While trying to land Messi. Kylian Mbappe<\/span> Although the result was a failure, Saudi Arabia achieved the biggest victory. Hold the 2034 World Cup<\/span>. <\/p>\n

It was all part of an attempt to change the direction of the country. move away from heavy dependence on oil<\/span> and explore other revenue-generating sectors. Some critics argue that this is also an attempt at sportswashing, an attempt to use sport to revamp social image. human rights record<\/span> and suppression of dissent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Billions of dollars have been spent securing the world championships in boxing, Formula 1 racing and tennis. Saudi-backed LIV Golf has forced the major winner to defect from the PGA. It was recently announced that withdraw funds<\/span> Although he withdrew from that venture, his commitment to soccer remains strong. Many of the top teams are owned by national sovereign wealth funds.<\/p>\n

Expectations for the 2026 World Cup<\/h2>\n

This year’s tournament will test how far the Saudi national team has come despite such huge spending. <\/p>\n

Newly appointed coach Georgios Donis said, “I can’t promise miracles, but I promise that we will do our best to achieve our goals.” <\/p>\n

The influx of top foreign talent does not necessarily lead to improved performance of domestic athletes on the international stage. <\/p>\n

There are unfortunately lost early<\/span> Victory in the Round of 16 of the 2024 Asian Cup. More than 12 months after their landmark victory over Argentina, Saudi Arabia’s most memorable contribution to the competition was their Italian coach. Roberto Mancini is leaving<\/span> It happened when his team lost in a penalty shootout against South Korea. A few months later, Mancini lost his job. <\/p>\n

Frenchman Herv\u00e9 Renard, who led the team at the Qatar 2022 tournament, joined the club and immediately qualified the team for this year’s tournament. However, in April, less than two months before the start of the World Cup in Saudi Arabia, Greece’s Donis was appointed as coach to replace Renard. <\/p>\n

The new coach arrived late.<\/h2>\n

Donis has coached several teams in the Saudi League and has also worked with many players competing in the World Cup. Among them is striker Feraz Al Buraikan, who won back-to-back Asian Champions Leagues with Al Ahly. <\/p>\n

His appointment at such short notice appears to be based on his unique knowledge and experience with Saudi football, with the Saudi Football Federation saying he is “expected to support a seamless transition”.<\/p>\n

“The advantage for us is that I have spent many years in Saudi Arabia and know the culture of the country and the players. So we want to be very competitive and fight hard,” Donis said when announcing the team last month.<\/p>\n

Developing local players<\/h2>\n

With the acquisition of star players from overseas slowing down and big names including Neymar leaving the club, the Saudi football governing body is moving to develop players in its own country. Matt Crocker in May seduced<\/span> He transitioned from his role as U.S. Soccer’s athletic director to head of talent development in Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n

Investments in youth have doubled in the past three years to $26.7 million, with the expansion of regional training centers in preparation for the 2034 World Cup, which will be held entirely locally. <\/p>\n

Before that, this year’s tournament is a chance to shock the world once again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe that all players have the necessary ability and passion to work on our plans, which will allow us to build a strong and united team step by step,\u201d Donis said. \u201cI believe in their abilities, so my priority now is to make sure they believe in their abilities, are comfortable with the plan and understand what is required of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

James Robson is https:\/\/x.com\/James Saran Robson<\/span><\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

AP Soccer: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/soccer<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n


\n
Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Saudi Arabia canceled one of them. Biggest upset in World Cup history They defeated powerful Argentina four years ago in Qatar. It turned out that that stunning victory over Lionel Messi and the eventual champions was just the beginning of a campaign to destroy the world of football. 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