Saudi Arabia redirects sports spending from LIV Golf to World Cup sponsorship

Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has withdrawn from its multi‑billion‑dollar involvement in LIV Golf, citing financial strain after heavy spending on defence and other projects during the recent Iran‑related conflict. The pull‑out ends a high‑profile sports‑washing effort that had paid top golfers contracts worth up to $600 million.

Despite exiting the golf venture, Saudi officials are deepening the kingdom’s soccer investment by becoming an official tournament supporter of the upcoming World Cup, signalling a shift in focus toward football as the primary avenue for international branding and influence.