In 2011, China President Xi Jinping outlined a vision to turn China from a footballing minnow to a superpower, with a plan to host a World Cup, to ensure the Chinese men’s team qualifies for another World Cup, and to win one.
But a set of challenges and lessons came China’s way – ones that Saudi Arabia can benefit and learn from: namely, how to ensure the dark side of big-money sports – match-fixing and corruption in particular – doesn’t taint its emergence as a sporting superpower.
Given the inevitable scrutiny that comes with hosting world events, and with many commentators looking for opportunities to pounce, Saudi Arabia would do well to take heed of developments in China as its own sports programme ramps up.
Global betting markets are penetrating even the Saudi Second Division, meaning that anyone anywhere can bet on outcomes at the lower level of sports, where most problems occur.
Saudi Arabia is well set to achieve its ambitious vision in sport; now it needs to protect that investment and secure its reputation.
