June 21, (THEWILL) – A US Senate panel has extended invitations to PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund Governor, Yasir al-Rumayyan, and LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman, to testify at an upcoming hearing scheduled for July 11.
The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, chaired by Senator Richard Blumenthal and co-chaired by Senator Ron Johnson, aims to uncover details about the agreement between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund, as well as the implications of Saudi involvement for the future of the esteemed American institution.
The Senators have expressed the need for transparency regarding the structure and governance of the new entity formed through the merger. Sen. Blumenthal, in particular, has been investigating the planned merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf and has previously requested communications and records from both organisations. Concerns have been raised about the Saudi Government’s role in the deal, with fears that a foreign government entity assuming control over the sport may pose risks.
The move has garnered attention from Senators, Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden, who have urged the Justice Department to initiate an antitrust investigation, claiming that the merger would result in a monopoly over professional golf operations. Critics have focused their opposition on the Saudi Arabian Government’s alleged involvement in human rights violations, including the widely condemned murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
The LIV Golf series, financed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), has faced scrutiny as sceptics view it as an attempt to improve the country’s reputation amid international criticism. The PGA Tour and LIV Golf have not yet provided a comment regarding the invitations extended by the Senate panel.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
