Riyadh: Middle East expert at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University Dr. Kristian Coates Ulrichsen affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has become a pivotal force in reshaping global football, a transformation that aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 and the strategic shifts it is leading.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Ulrichsen emphasized in a statement on the occasion of the release of his new book titled "Kingdom of Football: Saudi Arabia and the Remaking of World Soccer," that Saudi Arabia's rise in the world of sports, especially football, is not a temporary shift but a broad transformation with political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions.
He added, "The Kingdom has undergone profound changes and has quickly and decisively entered the global sports arena through club acquisitions, sponsorship of major tournaments, and hosting high-profile events, notably the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2034."
Ulrichsen pointed out the Kingdom's rich football heritage, highlighted by clubs approaching their centennials and a national team that has reached five consecutive AFC Asian Cup finals. He also underscored Saudi clubs' consistent success in continental competitions since the early 2000s.
In his book, he emphasizes that sports, entertainment, and tourism are integral pillars of Vision 2030 and essential to positioning Saudi Arabia as a global destination.
He added, "Saudi Arabia's engagement with sports has generated global impact across football, boxing, Formula 1, and even cricket, tennis, and esports. These sectors are expected to dominate international discussions throughout the next decade leading up to 2034."