Lionel Messi taps the Saudi cash cow

There are 7 replies in this Thread which has previously been viewed 722 times. The latest Post (June 20, 2023 at 2:19 PM) was by Rice.

    While opting to play for Miami rather than Saudi Arabia, Lionel Messi still struck oil with the Arab country that is sportswashing its bloody image by paying famous athletes from all over the world.

    Messi reportedly has a 3-year, €22.5 million contract with the country’s tourism agency to extol the delights of fabulous Saudi Arabia, to do and say little, but to endorse by his presence in videos and [huge!] social media posts promoting tourism there.

    The essential condition stated in the contract?Messi can’t say anything that might tarnish Saudi Arabia’s pristine reputation.

    I agree, footballers no matter how much money they've been offered, should never go to a country with human rights issues. What I don't get also, is that the footballing standard isn't that good either

    Women's rights, slavery etc.. is appalling in that country

    In a sense, you’re right, with the roles just reversed: we’re all oil-dependent, so we pay them the money they can then use to pay athletes to sportswash their reputation.

    Quote from Rice

    In a sense, you’re right, with the roles just reversed: we’re all oil-dependent, so we pay them the money they can then use to pay athletes to sportswash their reputation.

    Indeed. Even Dubai and Qatar are dodgy when it comes to using cheap labour.