US Senator Richard Blumenthal has expressed concerns over the merger of the US-based PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf, stating that Saudi Arabia’s control of a “cherished American institution” poses risks. As a result, he will investigate the matter.
The PGA Tour recently announced an agreement to merge its commercial businesses with LIV Golf, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
“Critics have cast such Saudi investments in sports as a means of “sportswashing” — an attempt to soften the country’s image around the world — given Saudi Arabia’s deeply disturbing human rights record at home and abroad,” Blumenthal wrote in a letter to the PGA Tour.
Related: In Shocking Turn Of Events PGA Tour Agrees To Merge With Rival LIV Golf
According to The Financial Times, a letter from Blumenthal has been received amidst the PGA Tour-LIV merger facing intense scrutiny and doubts on completion due to the severity of prior claims in the golf leagues’ previous litigation against each other.
The Saudi government has been accused of human rights violations, including the alleged involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
The merger was criticized by 9/11 Families United, a group representing victims’ families, because of Saudi Arabia’s involvement. Blumenthal has supported the families in the past, including when the 9/11 Justice group protested an event at a golf course owned by former President Donald Trump.
Featured News
Uruguayan Antitrust Scrutiny Puts Major Meatpacking Deal Between Marfrig and Minerva on Hold
May 19, 2024 by
CPI
Alaska Airlines Seeks Dismissal of Consumer Lawsuit Over $1.9 Billion Hawaiian Airlines Buy
May 19, 2024 by
CPI
Idaho Attorney General Orders Split of Kootenai Health and Syringa Hospital
May 19, 2024 by
CPI
Court Rejects T-Mobile’s Appeal Bid in Antitrust Case Over Sprint Merger
May 19, 2024 by
CPI
Google Requests Judge, Not Jury, to Decide on Antitrust Case
May 19, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Ecosystems
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
Mapping Antitrust onto Digital Ecosystems
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
Ecosystems and Competition Law: A Law and Political Economy Approach
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
Ecosystem Theories of Harm: What is Beyond the Buzzword?
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
Open Ecosystems: Benefits, Challenges, and Implications for Antitrust
May 9, 2024 by
CPI