Intersections of football, politics and religion in Saudi Arabia

Football and religion are important cultural forces in Saudi Arabia. The history of football in Saudi Arabia largely coincides with the history of the modern Saudi-state, and the religiopolitical doctrine that has left a mark on the social history of the country – especially in the control of public morals and fun. This article seeks to examine the influence of politics and religion on football in Saudi Arabia, through exploring 1) the religious establishment’s, defined as state-appointed individuals and institutions, view on football and 2) political interference in football, and 3) if and how the religious establishments view on football influenced the politics and governance of football on an organizational level. It argues that while intersections of football and politics have occurred both on the domestic and international level, the religious establishment has had little impact on the governing of football, with one important exception: women’s football and women’s fandom.