Africa Cup of Nations showcases the continent's finest footballers – and China's economic clout

• After all, the stadium was designed by the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design and built by the Beijing Construction Engineering Group.
• In San Pedro, the Laurent Pokou Stadium was built by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (again, state owned).
• All of this is part of a long-term policy of “stadium diplomacy” which China has been deploying across the continent.
• For instance, when Gabon co-hosted (with Equatorial Guinea) the Cup of Nations in 2012, China was involved in building both of its stadiums.
• Stadium diplomacy enables the country to extend its sphere of influence in Africa, often creating a political imbalance which leaves African nations at the behest of Beijing.

A new player

• The Gulf powerhouse is charging ahead with its own economic transformation and development, part of which involves investing hundreds of millions of dollars in sport.
• And at the heart of Saudi plans is the intention to position itself as an “Afro-Eurasian” hub of international football.
• As part of the proposed arrangement, Saudi Arabia was reportedly offering to build new stadiums in each of its partner countries.
• Some commentators accuse Saudi Arabia of trying to get Africa hooked on oil as part of a plan to offset decreasing demand elsewhere.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.