WASHINGTON (Middle East Eye) – United States Senator Richard Blumenthal has sent a letter to President Joe Biden, expressing “deep concerns” over Saudi Arabia’s golf league, accusing its hosting of tournaments on American soil as a means of “sportswashing” the kingdom’s human rights record.
“Ahead of your trip to Saudi Arabia, I would like to express my deep concerns regarding the activities of the Saudi golf league, also known as LIV Golf,” Blumenthal said in his letter.
The $255m LIV Golf series, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, will feature several events in 2022, including one in Saudi Arabia and two at U.S. golf clubs owned by former president Donald Trump.
The Saudi-backed initiative began in Oregon for its first tournament on U.S. soil on Thursday.
The kingdom has played host to several international sporting events in recent years, including Formula One, wrestling, football, and world heavyweight boxing. Most recently, golf has been added to its portfolio of sporting events.
Rights groups, however, have described the events as attempts to distract attention from the country’s human rights record. They have also criticized golfers for participating in the Saudi-backed tournaments.
U.S. golfer Phil Mickelson has said the Saudi golf league was nothing more than “sportswashing” but that the kingdom’s money gave him and golfers willing to participate “leverage” against the PGA Tour, the main organizer of American golf tournaments. Mickelson has come under heavy criticism for his participation in the tour.
The letter comes two weeks ahead of Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabians and human rights activists have called the planned trip a “betrayal” after Biden had initially promised to make the kingdom a “pariah” during his campaign for the 2020 presidential election.
Lawmakers have sent multiple letters to the Biden administration since the visit was announced, including one sent earlier this month by the chairs of several House committees, which called on the administration to rework Washington’s relationship with Riyadh.
“Stand firm on truth, accountability, and justice by urging the Saudi Arabian government to reset its conduct through respect for human rights and the rule of law,” Blumenthal said in his letter.
The longtime senator also rebuked Saudi Arabia for refusing to meet the minimal demands of 9/11 victims’ families, who have accused the kingdom of having a role in the attacks.