Engulfed

An in-depth look at how the murder of Jamal Khashoggi sped up the Saudi state's involvement and investment in sport and how following the blueprint of similar activities from other Gulf states, was used as a way of quickly repairing Mohammed bin Salman's reputation.

Engulfed tells the incredible story of how a ruthless, absolute monarchy used sport to cover up its many crimes whilst at the same time buying off an easily persuaded and equally as culpable class of politicians and businesspeople in the west.

This is a story about ambition, family rivalries, extreme wealth, power, murder and disinformation; of political corruption, dictatorship and, at its root, of how sport - football, yes, but also golf, boxing, tennis and even e-sports - has become a vital geopolitical tool for Saudi Arabia. An examination of soft power, manipulation and radicalisation in the 21st century, James Montague charts the rise of Mohammed bin Salman, a then unknown prince, and the murder of Jamal Khashoggi; the desperate efforts to buy Newcastle United, subvert FIFA and then take on the PGA tour, and the US congress.

In forensic detail, Engulfed uncovers how the House of Saud zeroed in on the political power of sport to save itself from the PR damage caused by one of the most infamous assassinations in history. It examines how they have bet on sport's, and especially football's, extreme polarisation, using it to radicalise whole cities and fanbases, and subvert democratic institutions for faraway political ends. It's the story of a plot to use sport to wash away the stains of a crime and how a compliant west was easily bought, and sold, in the process.