“Saudi Arabia is strategically trying to position itself as an AfroEurasian hub — the center of a new world order. This positioning would enable Saudi Arabia to exert significant power and influence across a vast geographic area, which it is seeking to achieve by building relationships with key partners.” 

Simon Chadwick, professor of sport and geopolitical economy, Skema Business School in Paris. The secret Saudi plan to buy the World Cup [Politico]