Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano has faced mounting criticism after appearing in a promotional video praising the activities of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, a move many observers view as part of Riyadh’s wider propaganda campaign.

In the video, Romano highlighted what he described as the kingdom’s “leading humanitarian role”. However, the clip quickly triggered a backlash on social media, with critics accusing the high-profile transfer reporter of lending credibility to messaging promoted by the Saudi state.

The controversy comes as the Saudi authorities continue to pour billions of dollars into global sport through the state-controlled Public Investment Fund. The kingdom has aggressively expanded its influence in football by bankrolling the Saudi Pro League, attracting international stars and acquiring high-profile assets such as Newcastle United.

Critics argue that these lavish investments are not merely about sport or economic diversification, but rather form part of a calculated strategy to rehabilitate the international image of an authoritarian regime widely criticised for suppressing dissent, imprisoning critics and carrying out large numbers of executions.

Romano’s involvement has therefore reignited debate about the role of journalists and football personalities in legitimising state-sponsored narratives. For many observers, the episode illustrates how Saudi Arabia continues to deploy football’s global popularity as a tool of political image-management while fundamental questions about repression and accountability inside the kingdom remain unresolved.