Turki Alalshikh: A Rising Figure in Boxing and Sports
Turki Alalshikh, a notable Saudi official, has emerged as a significant player within the boxing world, recently making headlines due to his intriguing comments regarding Manchester United’s ownership situation. On Wednesday, Alalshikh took to social media platform X, hinting at exciting developments in the potential sale of the football club to a new investor. He stated,
“The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor. I hope he’s better than the previous owners.”
Despite his optimism, sources connected to Manchester United quickly dismissed his claims as unfounded.
Clarification and Background
To clarify the situation, Alalshikh followed up with another post on Thursday, making it clear that he is not the prospective buyer and that the investor in question is not affiliated with Saudi Arabia. This disclosure comes on the heels of his previous ownership of Spanish club Almeria between 2019 and early 2023, alongside a brief ownership of Egyptian club Pyramids FC from 2018 to 2019. Recently, Alalshikh was also reported to be considering a bid for Championship side Bristol City.
Impact on Boxing and Entertainment
At 44 years old, Alalshikh has been integral to positioning Saudi Arabia as a formidable player in international boxing, helping to facilitate high-profile matches involving athletes like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. His involvement in sports has made him a highly visible figure within the realm of entertainment, particularly as he works closely with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who oversees Saudi Arabia’s sports ventures as well as owning Premier League club Newcastle United.
Controversies and Criticism
Alalshikh’s ascent in both the sports and entertainment industry raises eyebrows, especially as human rights organizations have criticized the Saudi government’s efforts, describing them as ‘sportswashing’. Amnesty International has voiced concerns over the kingdom’s treatment of women, its use of capital punishment, and its stances against LGBTQ rights. This backdrop of criticism has intensified discussions around the legitimacy of Saudi investments in sports as a means of masking serious social issues.
Strategic Role and Recent Developments
In his role as an adviser to the Saudi Royal Court, Alalshikh significantly shaped the framework of Saudi Arabia’s sports strategy, starting from his appointment as chairman of the General Sports Authority in September 2017 to leading the General Entertainment Authority shortly afterward. His ambitions have led to initiatives designed to reestablish the nation as a hub for entertainment, including the Riyadh Season, a series of events intended to invigorate boxing.
Most recently, in 2024, Alalshikh made headlines for purchasing The Ring magazine from former boxer Oscar De La Hoya, further cementing his footprint in the combat sports industry.
