“If it doesn’t happen, I’ll be disappointed,” Rafael Nadal seeks to inspire change for the LGBTQ+ community in Saudi Arabia leveraging his ambassadorship

The Spaniard cleared his position on playing a role in the sportswashing by Saudi Arabia following his deal with the country.

“If it doesn’t happen, I’ll be disappointed,” Rafael Nadal seeks to inspire change for the LGBTQ+ community in Saudi Arabia leveraging his ambassadorship

Rafael Nadal (image via IMAGO)

Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal has recently come under the firing line of many following his agreement to become an ambassador for the Saudi Arabia’s tennis federation.

The Spaniard has been accused of playing a part in the country’s attempt at alleged sportswashing. With massive financial resources at their disposal, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made investments in various sports. Tennis is becoming the latest one to follow suit.

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The ATP NextGen Finals have already moved to the country with the 2023 edition being the first to take place. The event will now be held in Jeddah till 2027 as part of ATP’s deal with the country. Similarly, there has been quite a buzz going around the WTA Tour also moving to the region.

This move has however been massively criticised by current and former players. Martina Navratilova has been quite vocal about this and in the process has gone against former coach and idol Billie Jean King who has supported the decision seeing the financial boost in the move.

Saudi Arabia does not support the LGBTQ community and has declared it as a punishable offense. Similarly, there have been various accusations made against the country over human laws violation in the country which has seen many fans opposing the move.

With Nadal now signing the deal, he was also criticized for the move. In a recent interview, he commented on his views about the subject and what’s his position on the matter. 

In my Academy they won't have problems, in the country I don't know. The problem is that this happens but the reality is that I am going to try to prevent it from happening.
Said Nadal. 
Things cannot be changed from today to tomorrow, the objective is that this is not debated in six, eight, or ten years and that I can contribute to ensuring that it is not talked about in a few years. If it doesn't happen, I'll be disappointed.
Added the Spaniard.

How will Rafael Nadal be involved with Saudi Arabia?

The exact details of the deal have not been made public with regard to how much has the Spaniard been paid. But as per various sources, the deal is said to be quite lucrative as money has not been a problem for Saudi.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (image via IMAGO)

As part of the deal, Nadal is however expected to make frequent visits to the country and take part in promotional activities. The Rafa Nadal Academy is also set to expand and create a new branch in the country for the kids in Saudi.

He has clarified himself over the deal claiming being interested only to promote his favorite sport. 

My commitment is to promote tennis and try to achieve my goals. I don't think Arabia needs me to wash its image. It is not my objective. People tend to give their opinions without asking questions.
Claimed Rafa.

Accused of taking part in the attempted sportswashing, he has denied any involvement equivocally with his conscience being clean on the subject.

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