Brief
Fans condemn Nadal’s Bahrain academy expansion over human‑rights concerns
The Rafa Nadal Academy will open a second Middle‑East centre in Bahrain in 2027, prompting backlash from online tennis fans.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Rafael Nadal’s academy announced a 2027 opening of a new tennis centre on Bahrain’s Amwaj Islands, its second Middle‑East location after Kuwait, according to Sportskeeda.
What happened
The Rafa Nadal Academy will partner with Harve, a hospitality and lifestyle developer, to build the facility on the Amwaj Islands. The announcement came as the academy celebrated its 10th anniversary in Madrid, where Nadal hosted a gala featuring Team Rafa and Team Murray.
What the reports add
Sportskeeda reported that fans on Reddit criticised the move, citing Bahrain’s alleged human‑rights restrictions and regional conflict. One user wrote, “Money will always speak louder than anything else,” while another called the project an “upgraded resort for rich people.” Additional comments questioned why Nadal chose a country with a “pitiful human rights record.”
What was said
Reddit commenters expressed disappointment, saying Nadal’s involvement, even passively, was “questionable off the court.” No official statement from Nadal or the academy was included in the source.
Key facts
- The Rafa Nadal Academy will open a new tennis centre in Bahrain in 2027. (sportskeeda.com)
- The Bahrain centre will be built on the Amwaj Islands in partnership with Harve. (sportskeeda.com)
- Fans criticised the project on Reddit, citing Bahrain’s human‑rights record. (sportskeeda.com)
- The academy celebrated its 10th anniversary in Madrid with a gala featuring Team Rafa and Team Murray. (sportskeeda.com)
Sources
- [1] sportskeeda.com — originally reported as “"Money will always speak louder"; "Disappointing" - Fans call out Rafael Nadal after announcement of new tennis center in Bahrain”
