Congressman criticizes Washington Capitals for accepting funds from Qatar, a supporter of Hamas.
The National Hockey League and Washington Capitals Face Congressional Probe Over Qatar Money
The National Hockey League (NHL) and its Washington Capitals are under scrutiny as they could potentially face a congressional investigation. This comes after the hockey franchise accepted funds from Qatar, a country that supports Hamas, while the league ignored pleas from the parents of a hostage who begged for their help in securing his release.
“Without Qatar’s assistance, the horrors of October 7 may never have occurred. Hamas leaders not only planned the unprecedented terror campaign from luxury villas and penthouse suites in Doha—provided to them by the State of Qatar—but they have been allowed to promote blood libels daily since October 7 on Al Jazeera,” Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) wrote to Monumental Sports Entertainment (MSE), the owner of the Washington Capitals and Wizards, and to the NHL.
Last week, The Daily Wire reported the story of American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who lost his arm in an attack by Hamas terrorists and is currently being held hostage. His parents, Jonathan Polin and Rachel Goldberg, reached out to NHL Commissioner Gary Bruce Bettman for assistance based on the business relationship, but received no response.
“While the Qataris have sought accolades for supposedly securing the recent release of four hostages, over 98% of those taken hostage by Hamas remain in captivity inside Gaza,” Bergman wrote, “while Hamas leaders remain free to continue planning and orchestrating further terrorist attacks on the Jewish state.”
According to Bergman, MSE’s corporate spokeswoman showed a lack of concern for the victims and hostages by stating that the investment from the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) was necessary to improve the fan experience at Capital One Arena. This statement was cited from The Daily Wire’s report.
READ MORE: Parents Of Hostage Plead With NHL Team Owned By Hamas Sponsor Qatar
Bergman expressed his disappointment with MSE’s response, stating, “I think I speak for most of my colleagues that such comments are callous and deeply troubling. Even worse was the apparent lack of concern expressed by MSE for those murdered or those still held hostage by Qatar-sponsored Hamas.”
In a response obtained by Politico, Monumental’s president of external affairs, Monica Dixon, explained that Qatar’s purchase of 5% of the sports franchise was finalized in July, making it too late to reverse the deal.
In an interview with The Daily Wire, Monumental spokeswoman Anu Rangappa emphasized that there was no way out of the deal, even though American majority owners of sports teams have been forced to sell due to issues of racism. Rangappa stated that the Qataris were not seeking any influence through the investment.
David Zimmerman, the chief legal officer of the NHL, wrote to Bergman, stating that the State Department considers Qatar an ally and strategic partner, despite the country blaming Israel for terrorist attacks against it.
Zimmerman also mentioned that the NHL acknowledges Hamas’ acts of terrorism, but believes that Qatar’s investment in the Washington sports teams is minimal and questions why it is being singled out.
Bergman’s letter highlighted Qatar’s interest in Washington’s teams, stating that it aligns with the country’s efforts to influence centers of power. He also mentioned that Qatar has hired numerous lobbying and public relations firms since 2017, as well as funding think tanks in Washington, DC.
According to Bergman, Qatar’s wrongdoings have been overlooked due to its political influence in Washington, DC. He expressed concern that MSE’s association with Qatar through the investment would further strengthen the country’s grip on the nation’s capital.
Bergman urged the NHL and Monumental to reject the Qatari money, as many other companies have done. He requested that they preserve all documents and communications related to QIA’s planned investment for a potential congressional investigation.
The NHL responded, stating, “We would, of course, be prepared to take whatever steps are necessary if the U.S. government were to sanction or prohibit QIA investments in the United States.”
What is the rationale behind Dick Patrick’s defense of the Washington Capitals’ acceptance of funds from Qatar?
Hockey operations, Dick Patrick, defended the franchise’s decision to accept funds from Qatar. Patrick stated that the investment from QIA does not directly support Hamas, and should not be a cause for concern. He also emphasized the importance of separating sports from politics, and argued that the Washington Capitals’ acceptance of the funds should not be seen as an endorsement of Qatar’s actions.
However, critics argue that accepting money from a country known for supporting Hamas raises ethical questions, especially when the league fails to address the pleas of a hostage’s parents. The lack of response from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is seen as a lack of concern for the safety and well-being of individuals affected by terrorist activities.
The congressional probe aims to address these concerns and investigate whether there was any wrongdoing or negligence on the part of the NHL and the Washington Capitals. It will examine the nature of the Qatar investment, the league’s response to pleas for help, and if any actions need to be taken to ensure the league and its franchises are prioritizing ethical considerations over financial gains.
This congressional investigation comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of sports organizations and their business relationships. It is a reminder that sports can no longer be divorced from politics and that organizations have a responsibility to consider the implications of their partnerships.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken and what consequences, if any, the NHL and the Washington Capitals will face. The outcome of this probe will not only impact the reputation of the league and the franchise but also set a precedent for other sports organizations in their future business dealings.
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