UP381 The Saudi Question, pt1

The Saudi Question permeates the global sports business conversation from top to bottom. Billions of pounds has been across multiple layers of the industry, including buying players, purchasing foreign clubs, developing domestic clubs and buying or developing tournaments at home and abroad.These deals have been pursued by the government itself, the PIF sovereign wealth fund, and Saudi Aramco, the oil firm that is the world’s most profitable company. The scope is enormous, with at least $10bn spent across half a dozen major sports.So this is the first of a series of podcasts in which we look at the issues arising from this megatrend, exploring the arguments on each side.  Our guests today help set the scene. They are experts in the field of international relations, geopolitics and business ethics. Robert Barrington is Professor of Anti-Corruption Practice at the Centre for the Study of Corruption in the University of Sussex.  He was formerly the head of Transparency International (TI) in the UK, the world’s leading NGO in this area, and chair of TI's International Council. Dan Hough is Professor of Politics at the University of Sussex School of Law, Politics and Sociology. This week’s newsletter is sponsored by We Are Sweet, the leading provider of digital platforms for the sports industry.Are you responsible for digital but not sure what to do with all the data you’ve collected?We Are Sweet excels in crafting best-in-class software, ranging from unique engagement experiences to next-generation websites. With more than a decade of innovating alongside names like IMG, ATP, Professional Triathletes Organisation and Formula 1,  you can trust that their software delivers.Whether you're looking to kickstart your community and transform the way you communicate with professional players, bring data to life in a second-screen experience, or need a website that monetises fans, We Are Sweet is the digital partner you need.Visit www.wearesweet.co.uk to turn your digital aspirations into tangible success stories. Unofficial Partner is the leading podcast for the business of sport. A mix of entertaining and thought provoking conversations with a who's who of the global industry. To join our community of listeners, sign up to the weekly UP Newsletter and follow us on Twitter and TikTok at @UnofficialPartnerWe publish two podcasts each week, on Tuesday and Friday. These are deep conversations with smart people from inside and outside sport. Our entire back catalogue of 500 sports business conversations are available free of charge here. Each pod is available by searching for ‘Unofficial Partner’ on Apple, Spotify and every podcast app. If you’re interested in collaborating with Unofficial Partner to create one-off podcasts or series and live events, you can reach us via the website.