(AP) – Rafael Nadal will serve as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, part of a recent effort by the kingdom to make inroads into tennis and other sports. His new role, announced Monday, includes promoting tennis in Saudi Arabia and plans for a Rafa Nadal Academy there.
Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress and I’m excited to be part of that. I continue to play tennis as I love the game. But beyond playing I want to help the sport grow far and wide across the world and in Saudi there is real potential. The kids here today are looking to the future and have a real passion for all sports. If I can help them pick up a racquet or simply get fit and enjoy the benefits of healthy living, then I’ll be happy to have made a difference.
RAFA
It signals yet another step into tennis for the kingdom, which is hosting the men’s tour’s Next Gen ATP Finals for top 21-and-under players in Jedda through 2027. The women’s tour has been in talks to place its season-ending WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia.
Rights groups say women continue to face discrimination in most aspects of family life in the kingdom, and homosexuality is a major taboo, as it is in most of the rest of the Middle East.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has worked to get himself out of international isolation since the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. He also clearly wants to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil.
Considering Saudi Arabia’s history of human rights violations and suggestions that they use sportswashing to conceal those issues, should Rafa decline a job worth millions and distance himself from it? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Not happy with this.
Yeah. Never thought I would say this but if Rafa does this, I’m out. No longer a fan.
People nowadays throw around the word, atrocious to mean anything slightly bad.
“atrocious”
“horrifyingly wicked”
Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations are atrocious.
Don’t do it – shocked you even contemplate taking up the job.
The conversation switching the topic to conversion of Islam is more than ridiculous.
It’s about money period.
Do you mean reformation? That ain’t gonna happen
As for money, yeah. How much is too much?
I’m personally against any country who carries the death penalty for LGBT people.
I don’t know why people are deciding for Rafa. Rafa is a very well educated man in business. If he wants to open another Academy, this is his baby..nothing to do with his fans..and I’m a fan since 2002. Am sure in my own heart that Rafa has already made mass contributions to the Red Cross & other charitable organisations for the Palestinian ppl. I despise Israel for atrocities..those innocent people…its not of their making that there is a rotton core element living in their country…like every other country..the terrorists don’t give two thoughts to their own people dying for their greediness. World will never have this again…Putin Netanyahu Hamas etc
HAHAHA If the American government has no problem doing business (HUGE BUSINESS!!) with the Saudis, then who is Rafa to say otherwise:):)
Make that money champ- just play some tennis too without getting injured. But it must be a looooot of money though:)
Can good people attempt to do good things in bad places, or should all good people avoid bad places so that the bad places will never know what good is??
Did not like it.
Would the opening poster please do something about the anti-Semitic and Islamophobic comments on this post? Whatever anyone’s views on the actions of the Israeli or Saudi governments, these actions are not those of all Jews or all Muslims. Thank you.
Saudi Arabia doesn’t reflect the value of rights all human beings have in democratic states. As a great Rafa Fan for nearly 20 years I’m very dissapointed of Rafa’s decision to take dirty money. His arguments perhaps might be good by showing the kids the way of an open mind thinking and handlings. But as he will not be there the whole year and he will nominate a manager for this Tennis Center
too, its nearly guaranted the members and students will stay thinking the way the Saudi crown orders. Hope you are not short with money if yes, you should sell some of your boats…
You are a delusional anti-Muslim bigot. At least 25,000 unarmed Palestinians, mostly women, children and babies, have been intentionally murdered by Jews in Israel.
Palestinians and leaders of Saudi Arabia are 2 different stories. Saudi Arabia is a wealthy powerful nation and sadly Palestine is the exact opposite. I do not understand the comparison being made here, the two do not intertwine.
This whole set up is about business and money of course. Great that children of Saudi Arabia want be shown the ropes there, so I ask this: how many females are going to be trained? And why not go into another country where children might want to learn tennis? If that is where your heart is that should not be a problem right?
I think this is an unwise decision, given Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. It’s hardly as if Rafa’s short of money.
Will you convert to Judaism and turn blind eye to the mass murder of Palestinian women and children by the Jews?
What a hypocrisy? Rafa is being attacked for doing something good in Saudi Arabia. Those who are criticising Rafa are turning blind eye to the mass killing of Palestinian women and children by the Israelis. At least 25,000 Palestinians, half of them are children and babies, have been intentionally murdered.
By working with the young people of Saudi, Rafa can show them the right way and encourage open minded thinking. All of this works toward change. I’m all for it!
Muslim countries don’t allow open minded thinking or any practice that is not according to their Profit or from any other religion
OH NOOOOO
I love Rafa too, but Rafa you should consider the human rights issues, the crown Prince’s involvement with the murder of Mr Kashogi and much more.
I believe you have enough money, don’t take theirs and I would not place a Nadal academy on their land!
I love Rafa but feel it would be a grave mistake for him to work with the Saudis. Their involvement in the murder of a journalist and the way they treat women is unacceptable in my books. I would be very disappointed if Rafa moves forward with this plan.
its all about money…
I have always been a huge Rafa fan but would be very disappointed with this decision. Saudi Arabia does not reflect the values he always has. They treat women as inferiors and took part in American journalists murder and dismemberment. Rafa does not need dirty money at the end of an illustrious career. Please Rafa, change your mind. It will not look well for your legacy.
Very disappointing with Rafael ‘s decision to except the offer from the Saudis as they are considered partners in the genocide happening in Palestine. We all should take a stand no matter who we are. I hope he consider his decision.
Will he covert to Islam too?
There is no way in a million years that Rafa would become Muslim. He is a devout Roman Catholic, and what ever talks he has had or is currently having, Religion will be top of agenda.
FYI-Rafa is not a devout Roman Catholic. He has referred to himself as agnostic. Note how he always says thank you to life when he wins. There is never any mention of God.
In regard to his decision to represent Saudi Arabia-it is indefensible. It is extremely naive to think this move will change the actions of this barbaric regime. He saw his friends Cristiano and Jon Rahm cashing in on the blood money and he wanted his share too.
I hope his agreement isn’t ironclad and that he can drop it even if there is a financial penalty.
Surely you are better than this Rafa. Do the right thing.
Don’t do it. As it is risky and the majority people will find it difficult to accept it.