If the current projects are any indication, it won’t take Saudi Arabia long to emerge as a sporting superpower in the coming years. The nation has splurged out eye-watering amounts of money in the past few years to transform the nation with multiple sporting projects. Soccer has been at the forefront of Saudi’s plans, with the Middle Eastern nation becoming one of the hottest destinations for soccer players worldwide. The nation now wants to delve deep into the game, with reports suggesting Saudi Arabia’s interest in the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup. While this could be a big move for the country, ex-USWNT star Megan Rapinoe isn’t too convinced by the move.

Megan opened up on the idea of Saudi Arabia bagging the hosting rights for the Women’s World Cup in an interview. While talking to The Women’s Game’s Sam Muis, Megan Rapinoe claimed that while she can understand the reason behind bringing the sport to the Middle Eastern nation, it doesn’t seem anything more than an attempt at ‘Sports Washing’. The ex-USWNT star then added, “I think with FIFA in particular. This is like to me is such a money-blatant power play. Obviously, the Saudi Arabian government has been making huge plays into sports.”

She then raised some serious concerns over the project. Megan stated, “Particularly women’s sports. Because I think women’s sports if it goes there, is like rubber-stamping a lot of these inequalities. Like are gay players just going to be given a pass? Is Quinn going to be able to play? Like, are they going to be safe? Are they going to be around friends and family? We just don’t know. I mean, that’s just those are ginormous question marks and things that makes me very uncomfortable.”

While Rapinoe’s concerns may be valid on multiple fronts, Saudi Arabia has done a great job separating sports from their ideology. Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr have also received special privileges from the national authorities. Despite being unmarried, the two players have been allowed to stay with their respective partners. While Rapinoe may not be on board with Saudi Arabia hosting the Women’s World Cup, it doesn’t seem she is too impressed with the nation’s massive splurging either.

Megan Rapinoe questions players chasing big money deals

During the interview, Megan Rapinoe commented on Saudi Arabia’s financial firepower. Megan Rapinoe discussed the Middle Eastern country’s recent splurging to lure top talents to the Saudi Pro League. However, the ex-USWNT added she wasn’t too impressed with the move. Rapinoe claimed that while Saudi’s offers are unresistible, she can’t understand making finance-based decisions. She then gave her example, claiming that she never felt like money was something she needed to go after.

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Rapinoe added the biggest price doesn’t mean the best and it can disrupt the existing soccer structure. Megan Rapinoe isn’t the only player questioning Saudi Arabia’s financial firepower and players chasing big-money deals. Real Madrid star Toni Kroos has also voiced concerns over players picking Saudi Arabian deals over European soccer. Saudi Arabia surely has got a short-term boost with their project. However, only time will tell if their policy works in the long run.

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