The PGA Tour has confronted fairly the backlash following its announcement to align itself with the Saudi Arabian Public Funding Fund (PIF).
Quite a few golfers, followers, media, and even 9/11 Households United, the group the tour stood by final yr, have all expressed their dismay.
“The PGA Tour has positioned a worth on human rights and betrayed the lengthy historical past of sports activities and athletes that advocate for social change and progress,” mentioned Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in a press release.
“The PGA Tour has spent two years lambasting Saudi sports-washing and paying lip service to the integrity of the game of golf, which can now be used unabashedly by the Kingdom to distract from its many crimes. I’ll hold an in depth eye on the construction of this deal and its implications.”
The opposite Senator from the Structure State, Chris Murphy (D-CT), weighed in too.
So bizarre. PGA officers have been in my workplace simply months in the past speaking about how the Saudis’ human rights document ought to disqualify them from having a stake in a serious American sport.
I suppose possibly their issues weren’t actually about human rights? https://t.co/SQ9HQuBsNT
— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) June 6, 2023
“So bizarre,” Murphy tweeted. “PGA officers have been in my workplace simply months in the past speaking about how the Saudis’ human rights document ought to disqualify them from having a stake in a serious American sport.”
“I suppose possibly their issues weren’t actually about human rights?”
One of many Senate’s most necessary committees, the Overseas Relations Committee, which influences and develops United States international coverage, will doubtless study this deal too.
“Sure,” mentioned Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) when requested if the committee will look into this, in response to The Hill. “And the query clearly is whether or not or not there are any present legal guidelines involving international relations or international enterprise offers that haven’t been compiled with.”
Durbin is among the higher-ranked Democrats within the Senate.
Republicans have blasted this deal too, particularly Rep. Chip Roy from Texas.
“Ultimately, it’s at all times in regards to the cash,” Roy tweeted. “Saudi Arabia simply purchased themselves a one-world golf authorities.”
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