Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr. or sign stars like Benzema, buy clubs like English club Newcastle or promote women’s football. Sports have become one of the biggest strategic thrusts of Saudi Arabia’s Crown PrinceMohammed bin Salman aims to be less dependent on oil within the scope of the government’s ‘Vision 2030’ project and to show himself to the world by organizing large events. Before going any further, Spanish Football Super Cup will be held in the Saudi country in January for the third year in a row – the agreement extends to 2029 – just like 2034 World Cup. Despite some opening-up measures, women’s rights remain in check in the Asian country.

“Women’s rights are under great pressure in Saudi Arabia. “Women are seen as second-class citizens.”“Everything is legally justified,” says Carlos de las Heras, Amnesty International’s head of sport and human rights in Spain. male guardianship systemis the delegation of certain rights to a male relative, usually a father, husband or grandfather. “This is where simple issues like how to dress and getting certain jobs come into play…” he adds.

“The reflection of developments on real life is very limited”

In 2018, women entered football stadiums without discrimination for the first time. In 2019, the Saudi Arabian Women’s Football Development Office was established and women began to touch the ball professionally after years of not being able to do sports. But these measures have little impact on their daily lives, de las Heras comments: “Progress is little and slow, looking at the gallery a bit. It is true that there has been some progress, such as the elimination of the requirement to isolate in restaurants, football fields or public spaces, but beyond that, Its reflection on real life was very limitedThey continue to depend on the male relative for everything.

The investment in women’s football is undeniable; It attracts international coaches and players to raise the level of the league and help the development of Saudi female football players. on the horizon, Possibility of the 2035 Women’s World Cup being held hereThey hope that their team, with German Monika Staab as coach, will do a good job.

40 million euros per Super Cup

The main reason why federations organize events in Saudi Arabia is the economic problem. The Royal Spanish Football Federation receives 40 million euros per person Spanish Super Cup kept there -The fourth one will be played in January. “The economic issues that must be taken into account when celebrating such events in countries such as Saudi Arabia outweigh other issues,” says Amnesty International’s representative.

“The demand is clear: institutions that are considering organizing such events in countries such as Saudi Arabia, where respect for human rights is highly concerning, should be included in these agreements.” Articles containing real commitments to improve Human rights countries where such sporting events will be held,” he claims.

Last year, Salma al Shebab was sentenced to 34 years in prison for tweeting. His case is not isolated in a country where the death penalty still exists. “Freedom of expression is either invalid or almost invalid, and homosexuality is prohibited and persecuted. People, activists or women who mobilize and work to defend their rights are accused, imprisoned and convicted,” de las Heras concludes.