國際時事跟讀 Ep.K658: Saudi Arabia's Ambitious Soccer Revolution
Saudi Arabia is making headlines in the world of soccer with its ambitious efforts to reshape the global soccer landscape. The country's actions have raised eyebrows and sparked debate about its motivations. While many criticize it as "sportswashing," Saudi Arabia's significant investments in soccer have far-reaching implications that go beyond the sport itself.
沙烏地阿拉伯正以其雄心勃勃的努力在全球足球領域掀起話題，試圖重新塑造全球足球版圖。該國的行動引起關注，並引發了有關其動機的辯論。雖然許多人批評它是“運動洗白”，但沙烏地阿拉伯對足球的重大投資具有超越體育本身的深遠影響。
One of the most eye-catching moves was when Al-Hilal, a Saudi Arabian club, reportedly attempted a $1.1 billion bid to sign French soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé. Despite Mbappé rejecting the offer, other high-profile transfers, such as Neymar Jr. joining Al-Hilal, have demonstrated Saudi Arabia's determination to transform its domestic soccer league into a star-studded competition. In a record-breaking transfer window, Saudi Pro League (SPL) clubs spent nearly $1 billion to acquire 94 overseas players from top European leagues, signaling their seriousness.
最引人注目的行動是沙烏地新月足球俱樂部（Al-Hilal）據報試圖以高達11億美元的價格簽下法國足球巨星基利安·姆巴佩（Kylian Mbappé）。儘管姆巴佩拒絕了這一報價，但其他高知名度的轉會，例如內馬爾（Neymar Jr.）的加盟，表明了沙烏地阿拉伯改造其國內足球聯賽成為星光熠熠競爭的決心。在一個創紀錄的轉會窗口中，沙烏地職業足球聯賽（SPL）俱樂部花費近10億美元，從歐洲頂級聯賽獲得了94名海外球員，顯明了他們的認真程度。
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has openly acknowledged the term "sportswashing" but remains undeterred, emphasizing the economic benefits of sports investment. Saudi clubs, including those owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), have attracted some of the biggest names in soccer. This strategy is aimed at enhancing competitiveness and developing local talent while bolstering the country's global standing in the sport.
沙烏地阿拉伯王儲穆罕默德·本·薩爾曼公開承認了“運動洗白”這一術語，但他並未感到氣餒，強調體育投資的經濟利益。包括沙烏地阿拉伯公共投資基金（PIF）所擁有的在內，俱樂部吸引了一些足球界的知名人物。這個策略目標在增強競爭力，培養本地人才，同時提升國家在這項運動中的全球地位。
Saudi Arabia's soccer revolution serves multiple purposes. It appeals to the country's young population, offering them a thriving soccer industry and diverting potential social unrest. Additionally, the nation's aspirations to host major sporting events like the FIFA Club World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup showcase its commitment to becoming a sporting hub. However, these efforts also raise concerns about transparency, human rights, and the potential influence of Saudi wealth in the global sports landscape.
沙烏地阿拉伯的足球革命具有多重目標。它吸引了國內年輕人口，為他們提供了一個蓬勃發展的足球產業，分散了潛在的社會動盪。此外，該國希望主辦像FIFA世界杯和亞足聯亞洲盃等重大體育賽事，展示了其成為體育中心的承諾。然而，這些努力也引起了有關透明度、人權以及沙烏地阿拉伯財富在全球體育領域潛在影響的擔憂。
Saudi Arabia's foray into soccer is a complex story, blending economic aspirations with political considerations. While it seeks to elevate its soccer prowess, the world watches closely, both excited by the potential and wary of the implications for the future of the sport.
沙烏地阿拉伯對足球的投入是一個複雜的故事，將經濟抱負與政治考量融合在一起。儘管它試圖提升其足球實力，但全球也都在密切關注，既對其潛力感到興奮，又對這項運動的未來充滿警惕。
Reference article: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/20/sport/saudi-arabia-soccer-spl-bin-salman-intl-spt-cmd-dg/index.html