Saudi PIF to End LIV Golf Funding

The decision by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund to stop bankrolling LIV Golf has plunged the future of the breakaway series into question. The move comes after the kingdom has invested tens of billions of pounds in establishing itself as a global sports hub, hosting major events from Formula 1 races to boxing matches.

Despite the withdrawal from golf, PIF stated it remains committed to sports as a priority sector, maintaining investments in various sports including its ownership of Newcastle United and plans to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The kingdom's sports strategy has faced criticism of 'sportswashing' its human rights record while aiming to diversify its economy through tourism and inspire greater physical activity among its population. rocore.sbs