LIV Golf League owner ignores US government
The latest questioning session titled "Review of Saudi PIF's investments in the US" took place on September 13, but all main litigants, including leaders or representatives of Saudi PIF as well as LIV Golf League, were absent. owned by them and also by the PGA Tour. And so, Chairman Richard Blumenthal - the senator who heads the subcommittee in charge of investigations in the Senate - can only talk to guests from the International Human Rights Watch, Quincy Institute - Institute specialized in state management.
"I will not let this matter go," Blumenthal declared in his opening statement. When giving his opinion, Benjamin Freeman - Director of the Quincy Institute said: "What else does the Saudi government do other than intend to make money in the US? They want Americans to associate Saudi Arabia with golf to cover up its bad reputation on human rights..." .
Right before the questioning session, Blumenthal announced that he had sent a subpoena requesting a Saudi PIF business in the US to provide documents related to the country's golf acquisition activities, especially the framework agreement with the PGA Tour as well as investments. other private.
In July, Blumenthal also chaired a similar session, inviting PGA Tour special envoy Jay Monahan, PIF Saudi President Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and LIV Golf League CEO Greg Norman. However, only two of Monahan's deputies attended because the "chief" was on sick leave, and Rumayyan and Norman were both absent due to personal commitments. During the recent questioning session, Al-Rumayyan was also summoned by letter, but advisor Raphael Prober in the Saudi PIF responded: "We only provide documents, and the Chairman of the organization is exempt from the responsibility to answer questions due to his position. especially in the Saudi government".
The US government is intervening in the project to merge commercial activities of PGA Tour - LIV Golf League - DP World Tour, announced on June 6. They are concerned about the implications of the deal, the impact of the alliance on national interests and security, especially the possibility that the Saudi side targets properties currently managed by the PGA Tour but near military facilities. USA or production location in a sensitive sector.
The country's Ministry of Justice also ordered an investigation on suspicion of violating antitrust laws after the two sides announced plans to open a joint venture. American lawyers believe that antitrust law can cause obstacles because it is formed by combining three large organizations into one legal entity with the ability to dominate.
