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The Saudi Pro League: A Failed Experiment in Sportswashing?

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Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

After Cristiano Ronaldo moved from Manchester United to a Saudi Arabian football team called Al Nassr in January 2023, everyone started wondering which other famous players might join the Saudi Pro League. During the Summer Transfer Window, lots of top players joined the league, like Karim Benzema, Jordan Henderson from Liverpool, and Neymar, who once had the most expensive transfer in football history in 2017.

But by January 2024, many of these famous players are thinking about leaving the league, even though they haven’t been there long. Henderson already left to play for Ajax in the Netherlands, and Benzema wants to leave his team and is looking for a new club, maybe in England. Also, many matches in the Saudi league don’t have a lot of fans attending. For example, only 133 people went to a recent game between Al-Riyadh and Al Okhdood, and the average number of fans per match is around 8,000, which is much lower than in most European leagues.

What is “sportswashing” and how has it been done in other sports?

Sportswashing is when countries or companies use sports to make people look away from their bad actions. They hope that because people love sports so much, they won’t pay attention to the negative things they’re doing. Governments often do this, but now more companies are also using sports to hide their harmful business practices, like pretending to be eco-friendly when they’re not (“greenwashing”). Car and oil companies, for example, sponsor sports teams and athletes to improve their image.

Formula 1 racing is a big example of sportswashing. Countries like Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia (before it invaded Ukraine) have hosted races to improve their image. In football, Russia and Qatar hosted the last two World Cups. Also, the governments of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar own Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, two of the best teams in Europe.

Saudi Arabia is also involved in sportswashing by hosting major events like boxing matches and Formula 1 races. They will host the 2034 World Cup. Their Public Investment Fund (PIF) owns Newcastle United, a top Premier League team, and helped create the LIV Golf Tour, which competes with the PGA Golf Tour.

The Saudi Arabian government uses sportswashing to distract people from its human rights abuses. By investing in sports, they aim to shift global focus away from issues like the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the imprisonment of anti-government activists, and their unfair laws against women and LGBTQ+ individuals. Instead, they want people to associate Saudi Arabia with exciting sporting events, improving the country’s image worldwide.

By associating with sports, countries like Saudi Arabia become more appealing to foreign investors, tourists, and other governments, which helps their economic and political goals. For Saudi Arabia, this means attracting more investment and tourism to reduce their reliance on oil. This strategy is part of their Vision 2030 plan to become a key player in the Middle East economically, culturally, and politically. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) mentioned in an interview that if sportswashing can increase their GDP by 1%, he would keep doing it. He believes that the influence gained from being involved in sports will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s role in regional and global affairs.

Why has the Saudi Pro League been unsuccessful?

Football fans love their clubs and traditional football leagues so much that they don’t fully support the Saudi Pro League. This was seen when fans protested the idea of a “European Super League” in 2021, causing English teams to back out. When Jordan Henderson, a player who joined the Saudi Pro League, played for England, he was booed by English fans, showing they didn’t accept his move. Because fans outside Saudi Arabia prefer their own clubs and leagues, the Saudi Pro League doesn’t gain much popularity. This strong attachment to traditional clubs and the fear of backlash make many players hesitant to join the Saudi Pro League, unless they are offered a lot of money.

Additionally, the growing popularity of sports betting is closely tied to traditional leagues and teams, further strengthening fans’ loyalty to them. Betting companies often sponsor major clubs and provide odds for well-established leagues, making fans more engaged with their home leagues. This connection to sports betting on 1xBet in India makes it even harder for new leagues like the Saudi Pro League to attract attention and support from international fans.

Another reason people aren’t very interested in the Saudi Pro League is because of the big differences between the teams. In June 2023, the PIF bought the “Big Four” teams: Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli. These teams now have access to a lot of government money to buy top players from Europe. This makes the league less competitive because only a few teams are really strong, and most matches don’t seem exciting unless the Big Four are playing each other.

In contrast, leagues in England and Spain, while having some differences, still have chances for unexpected winners. For example, Leicester City won the Premier League in 2015/16, and Girona is currently at the top in Spain’s La Liga. These surprise wins make the leagues more exciting and engaging for fans. In the Saudi Pro League, the huge differences between teams mean such underdog stories are unlikely, leading to less interest from fans.

China’s football league faced similar problems in the 2010s. They had enough money to get top players, but there wasn’t much interest from either local or international fans. The league wasn’t competitive, and its big stars didn’t attract enough attention. Because of this, the league wasn’t profitable. Eventually, the major teams lost their financial supporters, which caused a decline in Chinese football. For example, Jiangsu Suning, a former league champion, ended up being dissolved.

What does the future hold for Saudi involvement in football?

Saudi Arabia has won the bid to host the 2034 World Cup. Using the established World Cup and FIFA may be a more effective way for their government to gain influence. Qatar’s success in hosting the 2022 World Cup showed that hosting big events, instead of creating new sports leagues, is a better way to exert soft power and gain international attention.

The Saudi Arabian government has likely considered this with their recent football involvement. They’ve hosted events like the Spanish and Italian Super Cups, which are single matches between cup winners from these countries, rather than organizing entire seasons or tournaments. There might be more events like this in the future, and more European teams could play pre-season friendly matches in Saudi Arabia. Even if the Saudi Pro League isn’t successful, the interest and engagement Saudi Arabia can gain through these other football events will likely make up for it.

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Heisman Trophy Favorites and Underdogs: A Look At the 2024-2025 College Football Season Thus Far

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College Football Season Thus Far

As the 2024 college football season heats up, the race for the prestigious Heisman Trophy is already drawing attention and speculation. The Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football, has historically been a marker of future NFL success and enduring legacy. With Week 2 behind us, betting odds are shifting, highlighting both frontrunners and dark horses in this year’s competition.

The New Favorite: Quinn Ewers

Quinn Ewers of the Texas Longhorns has emerged as the new favorite for the Heisman Trophy, although all of this is dependent on how he recovers from his recent injury. Ewers’ impressive performance against the Michigan Wolverines, where he amassed 246 passing yards and three touchdowns, catapulted him past Carson Beck and Dillon Gabriel as the new favorite with +400 odds.

Despite suffering an abdomen strain against Texas-San Antonio which allowed Arch Manning to come in and steal the headlines with five touchdowns, Ewers isn’t expected to miss much time and should resume his position as starting quarterback once he’s healthy. If he is out for a long period of time, Manning could rise to the top of this list.

Contenders Close Behind

Following closely behind in the odds is quarterback Cameron Ward of Miami (+480) who is coming off a five-touchdown performance against Ball State. Ward has dominated thus far, leading college football with 1,035 passing yards and 11 touchdowns through three games.

Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss has had a stellar start to the season, including a 418-yard passing performance against Furman, giving him odds of +700 to win the Heisman Trophy. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe’s performance against Wisconsin has thrust him near the top of the odds. Milroe threw for three touchdowns and ran for two in the Crimson Tide’s blowout win over the Badgers.

Dark Horses in the Race

Dillon Gabriel and Carson Beck, with odds of +1000  and +1400, respectively, started the year as the favorites but have now become dark horses after their slow starts.

Nico Iamaleava of Tennessee and Miller Moss of USC, with odds at +1000 and +1800 respectively, present intriguing prospects with their unique abilities to lead and adapt on the field. Further, Texas’ Arch Manning could become a serious contender if Ewers misses significant time, and the odds show him rising at +1700. 

The top non-quarterback contender is Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty who is averaging a staggering 10.2 yards per carry to start the season and has already amassed nine touchdowns.

Watching the Underdogs: Fifita and Rising

Special attention is warranted for Arizona’s Noah Fifita and Utah’s Cam Rising, who are positioned as longer shots but with compelling narratives.

Fifita, now the undeniable leader in Tucson, is backed by a talented group of receivers and has a schedule that could allow him to showcase his skills. Meanwhile, Rising, returning from an ACL injury, has a point to prove and the talent to dramatically shorten his long odds if he can recapture his pre-injury form. 

Analyzing the Shift in Heisman Odds

As Heisman odds ebb and flow, the burgeoning interest naturally propels fans towards podcasts for deeper insights. These platforms offer a fusion of expert analysis and firsthand narratives, enriching fans’ understanding of the shifts in odds.

Engaging discussions on these podcasts illuminate the multifaceted dynamics of the Heisman race, blending statistical reviews with anecdotal experiences from seasoned analysts and former players, offering a comprehensive view of the ongoing collegiate football saga.

Conclusion

The journey to the Heisman Trophy is fraught with unpredictability and excitement. As favorites like Quinn Ewers, Cameron Ward, and Jaxson Dart aim to solidify their standing, underdogs such as Noah Fifita and Cam Rising are poised to shake up the rankings. All eyes will also be on Ewers’ health and whether Arch Manning could steal the show in Austin. 

With the entire season ahead, each game becomes a critical step toward college football’s most coveted award, ensuring that fans will have plenty to watch and speculate on in the months to come.

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Mastering Asian Handicap Betting in Online Football: A Guide for Thai Bettors

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Mastering Asian Handicap Betting in Online Football: A Guide for Thai Bettors

Asian Handicap betting has become increasingly popular among Thai bettors who are looking to maximize their chances of winning while enjoying online football betting. Unlike traditional betting methods, Asian Handicap offers a unique way to balance the playing field between two unevenly matched teams, making the game more exciting and the bets more rewarding. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of Asian Handicap betting, explaining how it works and providing tips to help you master this betting strategy. Whether you’re new to online betting or looking to refine your skills, understanding Asian Handicap betting can significantly enhance your experience. Let’s dive into the world of แทงบอล with a focus on Asian Handicap.

What is Asian Handicap Betting?

Asian Handicap betting is a form of betting that eliminates the possibility of a draw in a football match. It does this by handicapping the stronger team with a goal deficit or giving the weaker team a head start. The result is that the match becomes more competitive, and the odds are adjusted to reflect the perceived difference in ability between the two teams.

For example, if Team A is significantly stronger than Team B, an Asian Handicap might assign a -1.5 goal handicap to Team A. This means that Team A must win by two or more goals for a bet on them to succeed. Conversely, a +1.5 goal advantage might be given to Team B, meaning that even if they lose by one goal, a bet on them would still win.

Why Choose Asian Handicap Betting?

One of the main reasons bettors prefer Asian Handicap betting is the increased odds of winning. Traditional betting can be limited by the three possible outcomes (win, lose, or draw), but Asian Handicap removes the draw option, which statistically improves your chances.

Additionally, Asian Handicap betting offers better value, particularly in matches where one team is heavily favored. In such scenarios, betting on the stronger team to win outright might not offer attractive odds. However, with the handicap in place, the odds are more competitive, giving bettors a more enticing opportunity.

How to Read Asian Handicap Odds

Understanding how to read Asian Handicap odds is crucial for mastering this type of betting. The odds are typically displayed as decimals, with the handicap represented as a number alongside the team’s name. 

For instance, if you see Team A -0.5, it means that Team A must win the match for a bet on them to be successful. If the match ends in a draw or a loss for Team A, the bet would lose. Conversely, if you see Team B +0.5, a bet on Team B would win if they either win the match or draw.

Here are some common handicaps and their implications:

  • 0.0 (Level Handicap): The bet is void if the match ends in a draw. You only win if your team wins.
  • +0.5/-0.5 (Half Goal Handicap): The team with the +0.5 handicap wins the bet with a draw or a win. The team with the -0.5 handicap must win outright.
  • +1/-1 (Full Goal Handicap): The team with the +1 handicap wins the bet with a draw, or if they lose by only one goal, the bet is void. The team with the -1 handicap must win by two or more goals to win the bet.

Types of Asian Handicap Bets

Asian Handicap betting offers several variations that cater to different betting styles. Here are the main types:

1. Single Asian Handicap: This is the most straightforward form, where you bet on a team with a specific handicap. The outcome is based on the final score after the handicap is applied.

2. Split Asian Handicap: In this form, your stake is divided between two handicaps. For example, if you bet on a team with a -0.25 handicap, half your stake goes on -0.0 and the other half on -0.5. If the team draws, you lose half your stake, but if they win, both halves of your bet pay out.

3. Double Asian Handicap: This is similar to Split Handicap but applies when the handicaps are whole numbers. It can lead to situations where half of your stake is returned if the match ends in a draw after applying one part of the handicap.

Asian Handicap Bets

Strategies for Mastering Asian Handicap Betting

To succeed in Asian Handicap betting, it’s essential to employ effective strategies. Here are some tips that can help you become a more skilled bettor:

1. Research and Analyze: Before placing any bet, thoroughly research the teams, their form, recent performances, and any injuries or suspensions. Understanding the context of the match will help you make more informed decisions.

2. Focus on Value Bets: Always look for value in the odds. Sometimes the market might underestimate a team’s chances, providing you with an opportunity to place a bet with better potential returns.

3. Manage Your Bankroll: Responsible betting is key to long-term success. Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and betting more than you can afford to lose.

4. Start with Small Stakes: If you’re new to Asian Handicap betting, start with smaller stakes to familiarize yourself with how the system works. As you gain confidence and experience, you can gradually increase your stakes.

5. Stay Updated with Market Movements: Odds can change quickly based on new information, such as injuries or changes in team line-ups. Staying updated with the latest news will allow you to take advantage of any favorable shifts in the odds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Asian Handicap Betting

Even seasoned bettors can make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

1. Ignoring Team News: Not staying informed about team news can lead to poor betting decisions. Always check for updates on player availability, injuries, and other relevant factors.

2. Overestimating Home Advantage: While home advantage can play a role, it is not always a decisive factor in Asian Handicap betting. Make sure to consider other variables before placing your bet.

3. Betting with Emotions: Betting based on your emotions or loyalty to a particular team can cloud your judgment. Always approach betting with a clear and rational mindset.

4. Neglecting to Shop for the Best Odds: Different betting platforms may offer different odds for the same event. Take the time to compare odds across multiple platforms to ensure you’re getting the best value for your bets.

The Future of Asian Handicap Betting in Thailand

As online betting continues to grow in popularity in Thailand, the demand for more sophisticated betting options like Asian Handicap is likely to increase. Thai bettors are becoming more knowledgeable and are seeking ways to improve their chances of winning, making Asian Handicap an appealing choice.

Additionally, the increasing accessibility of online betting platforms like betflix means that more Thai bettors will have the opportunity to explore and master Asian Handicap betting. With the right strategies and a deep understanding of how this betting system works, Thai bettors can enhance their betting experience and potentially increase their winnings.

Conclusion

Asian Handicap betting offers a unique and exciting way to engage with online football betting, especially for Thai bettors looking to maximize their chances of success. By understanding the mechanics of Asian Handicap, employing effective strategies, and avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly improve your betting experience. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced bettor, mastering Asian Handicap betting can open up new opportunities and make your online football betting endeavors more rewarding.

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South Carolina Women’s Basketball – Former Star Joins League

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South Carolina Women's Basketball

Allisha Gray has joined as the new addition to the Unrivaled Basketball League and is a WNBA player who will play the three-on-three basketball league, which will happen in January, during the WNBA offseason. This league will feature 30 top WNBA players and start in Miami. So, let’s discuss the league and Allisha Gray in this post.

 

Who is Allisha Gray?

Allisha Gray is a famous basketball player; she doesn’t require any introduction to 3×3 basketball viewers. She started her career in 2017 and is thriving in it. The player has achieved some remarkable feats, such as:

  • Starting her career in 2017, the player has won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics in her 8 years old professional career. Many players couldn’t achieve this feat in their lifetime, but she did within 8 years of her 3×3 basketball career. The player has excellent playing skills and consistently improves them to become a more effective player.
  • Allisha Gray is a strong player for Atlanta Dream (an American professional basketball team); she showed excellent skills during her game and became a WNBA All-Star player two times continuously in 2023 and 2024. Moreover, the player also won the NCAA national championship at the University of South California.

 

What is the Unrivaled Basketball League?

The Unrivaled Basketball League is started by the Lynx’s Napheesa Collier and the Liberty’s Breanna Stewart. The motivation of this league is to provide a high salary and the opportunity to play to female basketball players in the U.S. Rather than going abroad during the off-season, they can continue their sports journey here and earn a good salary. Their salary in the Unrivaled Basketball League is one of the highest in the women’s professional sports league.

Marina Mabrey said, which means “now she won’t be required to play in Turkey or China in the offseason; rather, she can play here in the Unrivaled Basketball League. She always waited for an opportunity like this to stay in the USA; it is an honor playing with great U.S. players here”. Well, from the player’s point of view, it is an excellent opportunity for them.

 

List Of Players Who Are Committed to the Unrivaled Basketball League

As we know, the opportunity is significant, and most female players would like to participate in this football league; here we are sharing a list of 15 players who are playing in this league.

1. Jewell Loyd (Storm)

2. Marina Mabrey (Sun)

3. Rhyne Howard (Dream)

4. Chelsea Gray (Aces)

5. Kayla McBride (Lynx)

6. Breanna Stewart (Liberty)

7. Angel Reese (Sky)

8. Kelsey Plum (Aces)

9. Napheesa Collier (Lynx)

10. Allisha Gray (Dream)

11. Arike Ogunbowale (Wings)

12. Satou Sabally (Wings)

13. Jackie Young (Aces)

14. Kahleah Copper (Mercury)

15. Dearica Hamby (Sparks)

It is estimated that more players will join the league. So, you can expect some hard-hitting basketball matches; it will be a treat to watch for basketball lovers.

As the majority of WNBA basketball stars have joined the Unrivaled Basketball League, there are still some prominent names to join or yet to announce their joining in this league; the list for the same is as follows:

  1. Brittney Griner (Mercury)
  2. Alyssa Thomas (Sun)
  3. Caitlin Clark (Fever)
  4. Sabrina Ionescu (Liberty)
  5. Jonquel Jones (Liberty)
  6. Aliyah Boston (Fever)
  7. Nneka Ogwumike (Storm)
  8. DeWanna Bonner (Sun)
  9. Brionna Jones (Sun)
  10. Kelsey Mitchell (Fever)
  11. Diana Taurasi (Mercury)
  12. A’ja Wilson (Aces)

You may find some familiar names in the two lists, it is because of the absence of confirmed information or rumors on the internet. We will update the list in the near future when the official confirmation arrives.

 

Conclusion

Basketball is a fantastic game, people worldwide like to play and watch this game. It is one of the rare sports where female participants are equally popular than male participants. In this post, we covered the news about Allisha Gray and talked about the Unrivaled Basketball League. We hope you like reading this post and will share it with other basketball fans as well.

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