It Was What It Was
Did Saudi Arabia Buy Sport? Soft Power, Newcastle and Jimmy Hill!
Published: 28 March 2025 at 05:00 Europe/London
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Episode notes
Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.
Today Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by author James Montague to discuss his new book 'Engulfed' - exploring Saudi Arabia's massive investments in sport.
James gives unique insights on the history of Saudi football, the Vision 2030 project, and how Newcastle United's takeover fits into the larger picture. You'll find out how strategic use of 'soft power' has transformed Saudi Arabia's global image through sport.
The trio examine the rich football culture in Saudi Arabia, the country's evolving social landscape, and the geopolitics influencing these changes.
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00:00 Introduction
00:17 James Montague's Early Works and Reviews
01:28 Re-release and Sequel: Engulfed
01:59 Saudi Arabia's Emergence in Sports
03:26 Sports Washing and Soft Power
06:47 Historical Context and Saudi Investments
11:10 Mohammad bin Salman's Rise to Power
23:57 The Khashoggi Incident and Its Aftermath
30:13 Saudi Arabia's Football Culture
31:24 Challenges of Covering Saudi Arabia
33:52 Women in Saudi Football
35:15 Jimmy Hill's Influence on Saudi Football
40:33 David Icke's Saudi Adventure
46:10 Vision 2030 and Saudi Football Investments
52:26 Neom's Football Ambitions
57:34 Conclusion and Book Promotion
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