of pounds that saudi arabia has been investing in sport in recent years. the sense is that all of that has been gearing up to this moment, but i think it will come as a shock to people. after all, because of the extreme temperatures, it s likely that the traditional summer slot will have to be moved again, as it was in qatar. with all the disruption that that would entail. there is concern over the way that fifa appear to have paved the way for the saudis bid by accelerating and restricting the bidding process rules. and then, of course, because of saudi arabia s notorious human rights record, its discriminatory laws, there are those accusations of sportswashing by campaigners. now, the saudi authorities deny all that. they say this is about growing the game, diversifying their economy, boosting tourism, inspiring their people. they say some of the criticism is hypocritical, but others will say that money has been put before morals here. what is certain is that this once aga