Watan-The provided text discusses how the Saudi government uses European football to improve its reputation, diverting attention from human rights violations and other issues. The organization Human Rights Watch began a detailed report with the statement “Let’s forget Jamal Khashoggi,” highlighting the brutal murder of the journalist in a Saudi consulate, as well as the imprisonment, surveillance, and harassment of his colleagues in Saudi Arabia. The report emphasizes the intention of the Saudi government to use major sporting events, such as hosting the Italian and Spanish Super Cups, to enhance its image globally and draw positive media attention away from the country’s violations.

The report suggests that Saudi Arabia has been employing this strategy for several years, with plans to continue doing so. Hosting events like the Super Cups is part of the broader “Vision 2030” initiative, backed by billions of dollars from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to diversify the country’s economy and rehabilitate its image.

Despite the existence of a “Popular Vision for Reform in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” which includes principles and reforms to respect human rights, release political prisoners, uphold freedom of expression and association, promote women’s rights, protect migrants and religious minorities, abolish torture and the death penalty, and reform the justice system, the Saudi authorities have chosen to suppress all forms of opposition. Instead, they invest in sports events and other activities to launder their reputation.

The report notes that Saudi Arabia, having secured the rights to host “Expo 2030” and the “Asian Games 2034,” may soon obtain the rights to host the men’s FIFA World Cup in 2034 and the women’s FIFA World Cup in 2035. This is remarkable considering the treatment of women in the kingdom.

The organization concludes that European football, drowning in debt, risks becoming a high-paying puppet in the hands of Saudi propaganda, reinforcing the Saudi government’s belief that its global standing won’t be threatened as long as it continues to invest in events that divert attention from its glaring human rights violations.