IOC Removes Saudi Arabia: Ethics Committee Discovers Human Rights Exist
Funny how the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been buying up everything from Newcastle United to LIV Golf for years, funneling billions into 'sports washing' without a peep from most global sporting bodies. But when it's the digital realm, suddenly the IOC finds its moral compass. Perhaps the virtual athletes have better agents? This isn't a new concern; Saudi Arabia's human rights record –
particularly regarding women's rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and freedom of expression – predates the Esports Olympics by decades. The IOC only seems to remember its 'principles' when the PR optics shift, perhaps realizing the youth demographic for esports might be less inclined to overlook bone saws and political prisoners than, say, traditional golf fans.