Overview
- UNC confirmed that general manager Michael Lombardi traveled to Saudi Arabia in August, roughly two weeks before the season opener, to gauge fundraising interest.
- Officials said the trip produced no agreement or financial commitment for North Carolina football.
- The Athletic corrected earlier reporting that suggested a PIF meeting, after UNC said Lombardi met with a Saudi national rather than the sovereign wealth fund.
- UNC said Saudi hosts covered the costs of the visit and that neither university nor athletic department funds were used.
- After Friday night’s loss at Cal, Bill Belichick declined to discuss the matter and directed reporters to the university’s statement.