Alan Shearer, a former Newcastle United and England football player, has claimed that the more Saudi Arabia participates in sport, the more the government would come under scrutiny.
“That can only be a good thing,” he added, adding that more people were asking questions.
Shearer was replying to inquiries about objections to his charity taking a gift from the LIV golf league, which is supported by Saudi Arabia.
The response to any offer of money, he claimed, was “always a yes” during a crisis in the cost of living.
The Alan Shearer Foundation, a charity run by the Match of the Day pundit, offers activities, residential care, and respite care to persons with significant disabilities.
It has accepted a donation of $25,000 (£19,600) from LIV, and at its Asian Tour event at Close House near Newcastle, there will be fundraising activities as well.
Although the organisation offers its facilities free of charge, Shearer explained that this means money must be generated to meet operating expenses.
Therefore, he remarked, “Whenever anyone asks if they can be involved with it, then it’s always a yes because times are hard now.”
“We still need to find a way to raise the money.”
Shearer acknowledged worries about the source of the funding, but added that he understood them.
I believe it’s critical that we discuss and inquire about that, he remarked.
“We must accept that LIV and the Saudis are in because it is such a significant aspect of sport today.
“But I believe that more people are raising the issues as a result of their current involvement, and that can only be a good thing.
“It can only be better if people have to answer more questions,”
Because of Saudi Arabia‘s dismal human rights record, a Saudi-backed acquisition of Shearer’s former team, Newcastle United, in 2021 generated controversy.
Amnesty International demanded that the Premier League review the agreement earlier this year.
The organization’s CEO, Sacha Deshmukh, blasted the choice to stage two Saudi international games at St. James’ Park on Wednesday, labelling it yet another illustration of “how sportswashing works.”