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UK football icon Rio Ferdinand, through his investment company The Ferdinand Group, has taken a significant stake in Saudi Arabia’s sports platform Koora Break. This marks one of the first high-profile foreign investments in the Kingdom’s burgeoning sports industry, which has been drawing global attention with initiatives like hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034 and attracting stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo.
The investment, reportedly valued in the multi-million-dollar range, aims to help Koora Break expand its reach beyond Arabic-language content and grow its audience across Europe and Asia. Ferdinand praised the platform, calling it a "homegrown champion" that reflects the dynamic fusion of sports and tech in the region. He added that Koora Break is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for football and sports coverage in Saudi Arabia and beyond, especially as the region gears up for a massive boost in global attention ahead of the 2034 World Cup.
This deal also aligns with The Ferdinand Group’s strategy to strengthen its footprint in the Middle East, further solidifying its role in connecting global sports and entertainment markets.