Whether it be Manchester City, Newcastle, Paris Saint Germain or the 2022 & 2034 World Cups, Saudi Oil-money is everywhere in soccer. Photo by Will Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images

Is Saudi Ca$h buying Soccer's Soul?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 1:32 PM ET

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has sunk $1.5 billion into the FIFA Club World Cup, cementing its grip on global soccer. This move amplifies the Kingdom’s sportswashing strategy, deflecting scrutiny from human rights concerns with glitzy tournaments and mega-cash prizes. Fans and critics alike are questioning soccer’s soul amid this cash grab.

The expanded 2025 Club World Cup, hosted in the U.S., features 32 teams, including powerhouses like Manchester City and Real Madrid. Saudi Arabia’s PIF, which owns Newcastle United and four Saudi Pro League clubs, secured a long-term FIFA partnership, starting with this tournament’s sponsorship. This follows their $620 billion investment in soccer, from signing stars like Ronaldo to bankrolling entire leagues per FIFA.com.

Soccer’s governing bodies seem unfazed by ethical concerns. FIFA awarded Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup, ignoring controversies tied to Qatar’s 2022 tournament and PSG’s Qatari ownership per Sky Sports. The PIF’s influence raises questions about competitive integrity, especially since multi-club ownership conflicts with FIFA’s own rules per UEFA.com.

Without the DAZN Broadcasting Deal the Club World Cup wouldn't be happening.

Clubs are chasing the money too. The Club World Cup offers $100 million in prize money, dwarfing the UEFA Champions League’s payouts (PremierLeague.com). Teams like Al Hilal, backed by PIF, gain a financial edge, skewing the playing field.

Fans are split. Some revel in the global spectacle, while others decry soccer’s commodification. Social media buzzes with frustration: “FIFA’s just a cash machine now,” one X post read, echoing widespread sentiment per X.com.

The Kingdom’s strategy is clear: use soccer to polish its image. Saudi Arabia’s $1 billion signings of Ronaldo and Benzema set the tone, with more stars likely to follow them and all that cash. Yet, human rights groups criticize this as a distraction from domestic abuses according to Amnesty International.

The Prize-Pot in $1 Billion - DAZN paid $1 Billion for the streaming deal.

FIFA’s partnership with PIF extends beyond sponsorship to grassroots development, a move critics call a PR stunt per BBC Sport. The influx of Saudi cash risks turning soccer into a geopolitical chessboard. Will fans keep cheering as the game’s integrity erodes?

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), acquired a minority stake in DAZN for approximately $1 Billion...follow the money.

The Club World Cup’s glitz can’t hide the truth. Soccer’s hunger for cash is outpacing its values. As Saudi Arabia’s influence grows, the sport’s future hangs in the balance.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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