I asked Migeul Delaney about the concept of sportswashing. He said it was about influence (and negative publicity that buying a club brings is irrelevant). When asked about Middle Eastern investments in other industries he copped out by saying you would have to take it up with other journalists.
What are your thoughts on the following exchange:
Me: I'd appreciate your thoughts on the following: Surely the concept of "sportswashing" is a misnomer, particularly as buying a football club attracts significant negative publicity. Also, why is sport singled out over other Middle Eastern investments? For example, why isn't this "science washing": UAE to invest £10 billion in priority UK industries (including science).
Delaney's response: "People confuse the term. It's not about image. It's about influence. And there's little as influential as buying clubs. As regards other fields, you'd have to take it up with journlaists there"