Sportswashing
Sportswashing is a term used to describe the practice of nations, individuals, groups, corporations, or the government using sports to improve reputations tarnished by wrongdoing. A form of propaganda, sportswashing can be accomplished through hosting sporting events, purchasing or sponsoring sporting teams, or participating in a sport.[3]
At the international level, it is believed that sportswashing has been used to direct attention away from poor human rights records and corruption scandals.[4] At the individual and corporate levels, it is believed that sportswashing has been used to cover up vices, crimes, and scandals. Sportswashing is an example of reputation laundering.
Overview
[edit]Internationally, sportswashing has been described as part of a country's soft power.[5][6][7][8] The first usage of the term "sportswashing" may have been applied to Azerbaijan and its hosting of the 2015 European Games in Baku.[9]
Officials and organizations accused of sportswashing[which?]: in recent years Gulf states have been the most vocal to push back against these claims, often arguing that they simply want to enjoy sporting events in their home countries, or to engage in new investments.[10][11] These accused parties often say that sporting boycotts and event relocation are both unfair to sporting fans and are ineffective in changing government policy. In the case of F1, the league has even argued that "the sport is better able to effect change by visiting these countries and holding them to commitments they have made that are legally binding."[12][unreliable source?][13][14] The 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia has been cited as an example to tackle the country's global reputation, which was low due to its foreign policy and the sporting event changed the focus of discussions to the success of the World Cup.[15]
Companies accused of sportswashing include Ineos' sponsorship of professional cycling's Team Sky (now the Ineos Grenadiers) in 2019,[16] and Arabtec's sponsorship of Manchester City F.C.[17]
A key characteristic of sportswashing is the very costly efforts parties must undertake as it is not just about getting the rights to an event but building the infrastructure to hold these games. For example, leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup the host country Qatar, the smallest country to ever host the World Cup, invested around $220 billion into luxury accommodations, expanded transport networks, and stadiums to prepare.[18] In March 2021, human rights organization Grant Liberty said that Saudi Arabia alone has spent at least $1.5 billion on its own alleged sportswashing activities.[19][20]
Hosting
[edit]Basketball
[edit]- The 1978 FIBA World Championship, held in the Philippines under Ferdinand Marcos.[21]
- The 2013 FIBA Americas Championship, held in Venezuela.[22]
- The 2021 BAL season, held in Rwanda.[22]
- The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, held partially in the Philippines under the presidency of Bongbong Marcos, son of Ferdinand Marcos.[23]
- The 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, held in Qatar[24]
- NBA hosting pre-season games in UAE since 2022.[25]
Combat sports
[edit]Boxing
[edit]- The 1973 light heavyweight boxing match between South African Pierre Fourie and American Bob Foster, held in Rand Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa during the apartheid era.[26]
- The 1974 undisputed world heavyweight title match between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, known as The Rumble in the Jungle, held in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) during the dictatorship of Mobutu Sese Seko.[27]
- The 1975 world heavyweight title trilogy match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, known as Thrilla in Manila, held in Quezon City, Philippines during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.[27]
- The 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships held in Qatar.[28]
- The 2019 world heavyweight title rematch between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua, known as Clash on The Dunes, held in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.[27][29]
Mixed martial arts
[edit]The following were held in Saudi Arabia in 2024.
- PFL vs. Bellator[30]
- PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants[31][32]
- PFL 10 (2024)[33]
- UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov[34]
Cycling
[edit]- Vuelta a Venezuela held since 1963.[22]
- Vuelta a Cuba held in 1964–2010.[35]
- Vuelta al Táchira held in Venezuela since 1966.[22]
- Tour of Qatar held in 2002–2016.[36]
- Tour of Beijing held in 2011–2014.[36]
- Dubai Tour held in 2014–2018.[36]
- Abu Dhabi Tour held in 2015–2018.[36]
- 2016 UCI Road World Championships held in Qatar.[28]
- Tour of Guangxi held since 2017.[36]
- UAE Tour held since 2019[36]
- Tour Femenino de Venezuela held in 2019.[22]
- Tour of Oman held since 2020.[36]
- The 2025 UCI Road World Championships scheduled to be held in Rwanda.[37]
Cricket
[edit]- The 1996 Cricket World Cup held in Sri Lanka.[38]
- The 2003 Cricket World Cup held in Zimbabwe.[39][40]
- The 2023 Cricket World Cup held in India.[41][42]
Association football tournaments
[edit]- The 1934 FIFA World Cup held during the rule of Benito Mussolini in Italy.[43][44]
- The 1964 European Nations' Cup held in Spain under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco.[45]
- The 1978 FIFA World Cup held in Argentina under a military dictatorship.[46]
- The 1988 AFC Asian Cup held in Qatar.[28]
- The 1995 FIFA World Youth Championship held in Qatar.[28]
- The 2002 Supercoppa Italiana between Juventus and Parma held in Libya under Muammar Gaddafi.[47]
- The 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup held in China (initially awarded the 2003 bid but moved to the United States due to SARS).[48]
- The 2007 Copa América held in Venezuela.[49]
- The 2011 AFC Asian Cup held in Qatar.[28]
- The 2013 Trophée des Champions between Paris Saint-Germain and Bordeaux held in Gabon.[50]
- The 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil.[51]
- The 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia.[52]
- The Supercoppa Italiana held two controversial football matches in Saudi Arabia:
- The 2018 Supercoppa Italiana between Juventus and AC Milan held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.[53]
- The 2019 Supercoppa Italiana between Juventus and S.S. Lazio held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[35]
- The 2019 UEFA Europa League Final between Chelsea and Arsenal held in Azerbaijan[54]
- The 2019 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup were both held in Qatar.[28]
- The Supercopa de España held football matches in Saudi Arabia:
- 2019–2020 Supercopa de España held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.[55][56]
- 2021–2022 Supercopa de España held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.[55][57]
- 2022–2023 Supercopa de España and 2023–24 Supercopa de España were both held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[58][59]
- The Euro 2020 held in 11 countries, including three with poor human rights record:
- Group B, Group E, and quarter-finals held in Saint Petersburg, Russia[60][61]
- Group F and round of 16 held in Budapest, Hungary[62]
- Group A and quarter-finals held in Baku, Azerbaijan[63]
- The 2021 Copa América held in Brazil.[64]
- The 2021 Diego Maradona tribute match between FC Barcelona and Boca Juniors dubbed as "Maradona Cup" held in Saudi Arabia.[65]
- The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations held in Cameroon.[66]
- The 2022 Trophée des Champions between Paris Saint-Germain and Nantes, held in Israel.[67][68]
- The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.[28][69]
- The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup; Saudi Arabia tried to be the sponsor, but after a series of outrage, it pulled out.[70]
- The 2023 AFC Asian Cup held in Qatar (originally to have been held in China)[71]
- The 2023 FIFA Club World Cup held in Saudi Arabia[72]
- The 2025 FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup to be held in the Philippines under the presidency of Bongbong Marcos, son of Ferdinand Marcos.[73]
- The 2027 AFC Asian Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia[74]
- The 2034 FIFA World Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia[75][76][77]
Esports
[edit]- The 2019 BLAST Pro Series Finals held in the Kingdom of Bahrain.[78]
- Danish esports organization, RFRSH Entertainment and Riot Games both signing a deal to develop Saudi Arabia's NEOM project and boost esports in the region.[79] Riot ended up scrapping the partnership after facing intense backlash from fans and their employees.[80][81]
- The 2022 and 2023 Blast Premier World Finals held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.[82]
- The Gamers8 2023 CS:GO tournament held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the Esports World Cup tournament series that replaced it in 2024.
Golf
[edit]- PGA Tour China held since 2014.[83]
- China Tour held in 2014–2019.[83]
- Saudi International held since 2019.[84]
- Aramco Team Series held since 2020.[84]
- Aramco Saudi Ladies International held since 2020.[84]
- LIV Golf Invitational Series funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, beginning in 2022.[85][86]
Motorsport
[edit]Formula One
[edit]- Spanish Grand Prix held from 1951 to 1975[87]
- Argentine Grand Prix held from 1953 to 1981[88]
- Portuguese Grand Prix held from 1958 to 1960[89]
- South African Grand Prix held from 1960 to 1985[90][91]
- Mexican Grand Prix held since 1962[92]
- Brazilian Grand Prix held from 1972 to 1984[93]
- Malaysian Grand Prix held from 1999 to 2017[92]
- Bahrain Grand Prix held since 2004[94][2]
- Chinese Grand Prix held since 2004[92]
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix held since 2009[2]
- Russian Grand Prix held from 2014 to 2021[92]
- 2016 European Grand Prix held in Baku, Azerbaijan[35]
- Azerbaijan Grand Prix held since 2017[95][87]
- Turkish Grand Prix held in 2020 and 2021[92]
- Qatar Grand Prix held since 2021[92][2]
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix held since 2021[92][2]
Formula E
[edit]- Beijing ePrix held in 2014–2015.[92]
- Putrajaya ePrix held in 2014–2015.[92]
- Moscow ePrix held in 2015.[92]
- Diriyah ePrix held since 2018.[96]
- Sanya ePrix held in 2019.[92]
- Jakarta ePrix held since 2022.[97]
Grand Prix motorcycle racing
[edit]- Argentine motorcycle Grand Prix held in 1981–1982.[88]
- South African motorcycle Grand Prix held in 1983–1985.[90][98]
- Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix held since 1991.[92]
- Indonesian motorcycle Grand Prix held in 1996–1997 and since 2022.[97][99]
- Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix held since 2004.[100][28]
- Thailand motorcycle Grand Prix held since 2018.[100]
Rally
[edit]- The Dakar Rally held in Saudi Arabia since 2020.[101]
Touring car racing
[edit]- FIA WTCR Race of Bahrain held in 2022.[102]
- FIA WTCR Race of Saudi Arabia held in 2022.[102]
Olympic Games
[edit]- The 1936 Winter Olympics held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Nazi Germany.[citation needed]
- The 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, Nazi Germany.[citation needed]
- The 1980 Summer Olympics held in Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union.[103][104]
- The 1988 Summer Olympics held in military-led Seoul, South Korea.[105][106]
- The 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing, China.[107]
- The 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia.[108][109]
- The 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.[110]
- The 2022 Winter Olympics held in Beijing, China.[107][111][112]
Rugby Union
[edit]Rugby Union tours involving South Africa during the Apartheid era:[90]
- The 1949, 1960, 1970, 1976 New Zealand tours to South Africa
- The 1951–1952, 1960–1961, 1965, 1969–1970 South African tours to Britain and Ireland
- The 1952, 1961, 1968, 1974 South Africa tours to France
- The 1953, 1961, 1963, 1969 Australia tours to South Africa
- The 1955, 1962, 1968, 1974, 1980 British & Irish Lions tours to South Africa
- The 1956, 1965, 1971 South Africa tours to Australia
- The 1956, 1965, 1981 South Africa tours to New Zealand
- The 1958, 1964, 1967, 1971, 1975, 1980 France tours to South Africa
- The 1960 Scotland tour to South Africa
- The 1964 Wales tour to South Africa
- The 1965, 1971 Argentina tours to South Africa both with tests against the South African Gazelles
- The 1972, 1984 England tours to South Africa
- The 1973 Italy tour to South Africa
- The 1980 South African tour to South America
- The 1980, 1982 and 1984 South American Jaguars tours to South Africa
- The 1981 Ireland tour to South Africa
- The unofficial 1986 New Zealand tour to South Africa
Tennis
[edit]- South Africa Open during the apartheid period (1948–1994).[26]
- 1972 Federation Cup held in apartheid South Africa.[26]
- 1974 Davis Cup held in apartheid South Africa.[26]
- Dubai Tennis Championships held since 1993.[113]
- ATP Qatar Open held since 1993.[28]
- WTA Qatar Open held since 2001.[28]
- China Open held since 2004.[114]
- Wuhan Open held since 2014.[114]
- Diriyah Tennis Cup held since 2019.[96]
- Next Generation ATP Finals, being held in Saudi Arabia between 2023 and 2027.[115]
Professional wrestling
[edit]- Collision in Korea held in Pyongyang, North Korea in 1995.[116] A second event, in a smaller building, was promoted by Antonio Inoki (who promoted the first event as well) over two days in 2014.[117]
- WWE in Saudi Arabia from 2014; in particular, Saudi Arabia hosting two Premium Live Events each year (one under the name of WWE Crown Jewel) since 2018.[118]
Other events
[edit]- Some of UFC matches are held in China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.[119]
- Proposed NFL games in China, including the China Bowl.[120]
- The 1986 Commonwealth Games held in Scotland.[121]
- The 1991 Pan American Games held in Cuba.[35]
- The 2006 Asian Games held in Qatar.[28]
- The 2014 Men's Ice Hockey World Championships held in Belarus.[122]
- The 2015 European Games held in Azerbaijan.[54]
- The 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games held in Turkmenistan.[35]
- The Women's World Chess Championship 2017 held in Iran.[123]
- The 2019 Winter Universiade held in Russia.[35]
- The 2019 European Games held in Belarus.[124]
- The 2019 Military World Games held in China.[125]
- The 2019 Southeast Asian Games held in the Philippines.[126]
- The 2021 Summer World University Games held in China after a 2-year delay from its original dates.[48]
- The World Chess Championship 2021 held in the United Arab Emirates.[127]
- The 2022 Gay Games held in Hong Kong after a year delay from its original dates.[128][129]
- The 2022 World Aquatics Championships held in Budapest.[130]
- The 2022 Asian Games held in China after a year delay from its original dates.[48]
- The 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games held in El Salvador.[131]
- The 2024 World Masters of Snooker tournament to be held in Saudi Arabia.[132]
- The 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship to be held in the Philippines under the presidency of Bongbong Marcos, son of Ferdinand Marcos.[133][134]
- The 2030 Asian Games scheduled to be held in Qatar.[135]
- The 2034 Asian Games scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia.[135]
Corporate sponsorship
[edit]Association football
[edit]- Russian state-owned oil company Gazprom's sponsorship of the German Bundesliga football team Schalke 04, events of the UEFA Champions League and kits. This contract was cancelled due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.[136][137][138]
- Russian holding company USM Holdings Limited's sponsorship of Everton. The company is owned by Alisher Usmanov, a pro-Kremlin businessman.[139]
- Russian flag carrier Aeroflot's sponsorship of Manchester United. The sponsorship was ended following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.[140]
- Qatar Airways' sponsorships of football teams, including FC Barcelona, A.S. Roma, Boca Juniors, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich.[141]
- Qatar's Hamad International Airport's sponsorship of Bayern Munich from 2018 to 2023.[142][143][144]
- Bahrain's flag carrier Gulf Air's sponsorships of Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers.[90]
- The Azerbaijan tourism authority's sponsorship of Atlético Madrid.[145]
- Hong Kong-based insurance company AIA Group sponsorship of English football club Tottenham Hotspur. AIA Group endorsed the Hong Kong national security law in 2020, which was condemned by several British politicians who demanded the club to drop the sponsorship.[146]
- The Rwanda tourism authority's sponsorship of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.[22]
- The Saudi Tourism Authority's sponsorship of the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup under the Visit Saudi branding.
Australian rules football
[edit]- Brunei's flag carrier Royal Brunei Airlines' sponsorship deal with AFL Europe in 2014. The sponsorship deal ended the same year after protests from rights groups.[147][148]
Cycling
[edit]- Shell oil company's major partnership with British Cycling in 2022.[149]
Golf
[edit]- The Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, Public Investment Fund sponsored the LIV Golf in 2021. Human rights organizations criticized Saudi Arabia for sportwashing its image through the tournament. Human Rights Watch also wrote a letter to LIV Golf urging the league to adopt a strategy that would minimize the risk of reputation laundering by the Saudi Arabian government.[150]
Motorsport
[edit]- Venezuelan state-owned oil company PDVSA's sponsorship of Formula One driver Pastor Maldonado, who raced for Williams Grand Prix Engineering in 2011–2013 and Lotus F1 in 2014–2015. The PDVSA logo was included on both teams' car decals during those periods.[151]
- Citgo, oil company owned by Venezuelan PDVSA sponsorship of numerous NASCAR teams such as Wood Brothers Racing and Roush Racing. Citgo also sponsored individual drivers such as Milka Duno who raced in 24 Hours of Daytona and E. J. Viso who raced in IndyCar Series[152][153]
- Chinese state-owned broadcaster CCTV's sponsorship of Jordan Grand Prix Formula One team in 2003.[154]
- Saudi Arabia State-owned oil company Aramco's sponsorship of the Aston Martin F1 Team, as well as Formula One races.[155][156][100]
- Saudi Arabian flag carrier Saudia's sponsorship of Formula One teams Williams Grand Prix Engineering from 1977 to 1984 and Aston Martin in 2023.[157]
- The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund-backed Neom sponsorship of the Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team and McLaren's Formula E and Extreme E teams.[158][159]
- The Formula One team Haas F1 Team was sponsored by Uralkali, who also sponsors Haas' Russian driver Nikita Mazepin. Haas had severed ties with Uralkali and Mazepin due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.[160]
Ownership
[edit]Association football
[edit]Domestic teams:
- Italian media proprietor Silvio Berlusconi, through his Fininvest holding, owned Serie A club A.C. Milan in 1986 and had 98% of the club's share until 2017. Berlusconi gained popularity in the country using his team's success, strongly supported by his own mass media including Mediaset, to improve public opinion,[161] which was useful for his political purposes.[162] Berlusconi founded Forza Italia, a centre-right party, and in 1994 became Prime Minister of Italy. During more than two decades of government divided into four periods, he was involved in abuse of office, bribery, corruption of public personnel, and false accounting cases, as well as sex scandals,[162] among other controversies surrounding Berlusconi. He proposed and approved many ad personam laws (a type of clientelism) in favour of his own business, including the Milanese club as the Lentini affair in 1995, the Decreto Salva Calcio in 2003,[163][164] which allowed Milan to be relieved its debt of € 242 million,[165][166] and the decriminalisation of false accounting during the second Berlusconi government, a charge for which his club and local rival FC Internazionale Milano were tried and acquitted five years later due that measure;[165][167] obtaining political support from the Milan fanbase, one of the largest in the country.[168] In 2018, after he sold Milan to Chinese businessman Li Yonghong, Berlusconi, through Fininvest,[clarification needed] owned AC Monza, a club that then competed in the national Serie C, with 100% of the club's shares.[clarification needed]
Foreign ownership:
- Russian politician and businessman Roman Abramovich's ownership of Chelsea F.C. (2003–2022), which some have reported was done at the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin.[169]
- Russian pro-Kremlin businessman Alisher Usmanov formally owned partial shares of Arsenal F.C.[139][170] Umanov never had control of the club's day-to-day operation.[citation needed]
- Abu Dhabi majority ownership of City Football Group. In 2015, the Abu Dhabi United Group announced consortium with Chinese state-owned CITIC Group for City Football Group, an entity which in turn owns[171]
- Manchester City F.C. (since 2008)
- Melbourne City FC
- Montevideo City Torque
- New York City FC,
- Yokohama F. Marinos (partially),
- Girona FC,
- Shenzhen Peng City F.C. (partially).
- Mumbai City FC (partially).
- Saudi prince Abdullah bin Musaid Al Saud ownership of Sheffield United.[172]
- The purchase of Newcastle United F.C., 80% financing provided by Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund; this was "a blatant example of Saudi sportswashing", according to Kate Allen of Amnesty International UK.[173]
- Kingdom of Bahrain 20% stake purchase of French football club Paris FC. The purchase was condemned by French-based human rights NGOs.[174]
- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, ruler of Qatar, purchasing French football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2011.[175]
- Controversial Indonesian conglomerate Bakrie Group ownership of Australian football club Brisbane Roar FC. In 2019, formed team administrator Joko Driyono was arrested by the Indonesian national police for destroying the evidence of match-fixing scandal.[176]
- Washington Spirit's 2020 cultural exchange with Qatar.[177]
Basketball
[edit]- Russian businessman Mikhail Prokhorov ownership of NBA team Brooklyn Nets. Prokhorov was known to be a close ally to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In 2017, Prokhorov sold the team which was alleged to have been a request from Putin.[178] The team was later bought by Hong Kong businessman Joe Tsai. Tsai was previously criticized for his praise of China's restrictions on personal freedoms and expressing his support of Hong Kong national security law.[179]
Cricket
[edit]- Indian fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya ownership of cricket team Royal Challengers Bangalore who competed in Indian Premier League. Indian Enforcement Directorate accused Mallya ownership of the team to be part of Mallya's money laundering scheme.[180]
- The South Africa national cricket team held numerous tours dubbed as South African rebel tours around 1982–1990, defying sporting bodies' sanctions of numerous South African sport teams for participating in international sporting events. The tours have been regarded as part of the apartheid government's sporting propaganda.[181][182]
Cycling
[edit]- There are numerous reports that 2020 Tour de France was used by problematic countries and companies to sportswash their tarnished reputation; the following teams have been accused of sportswashing during the event:[16]
Motorsport
[edit]- Indian fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya's ownership of the Force India Formula One team. Mallya's Force India team were accused by the Indian Enforcement Directorate that it was created for money laundering purposes.[180]
- Kingdom of Bahrain state-owned sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat Holding Company, partial stake at McLaren Group which includes its racing division, McLaren Racing, which competes in Formula One, Formula E, Extreme E and IndyCar Series.[183]
Other
[edit]- The Al Maktoum family's ownership of Godolphin and Essential Quality.[184]
- The takeover of esports organizations ESL and FACEIT by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.[185]
By individuals
[edit]- Daniel Kinahan's involvement in boxing as a promoter.[186]
- Brother of Venezuelan PSUV politician and Bolibourgeoisie Jesse Chacón, Arné Chacón ownership of stable in Florida called Gadu Racing Stable Corp and participation of horse racing in United States.[187]
- Chechnya leader Ramzan Kadyrov ownership of horse Mourilyan which competed in Melbourne Cup horse racing. The participation has gained controversy in Australia. Australian Senator Bob Brown called the Australian government to quarantine the prize money as concern of money laundering.[188] and having runners in various meetings in the UK especially Royal Ascot
- International Cycling Union presenting a certificate of appreciation to Turkmen dictator Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow for "in development of sport and consolidation of universal peace and progress".[189]
By nations
[edit]- Kazakhstan has joined UEFA since 2002 and has also sponsored numerous sporting events in recent years.[190][191] Kazakhstan has been accused of being an authoritarian dictatorship due to its repression on dissidents and censorship of media, and that their UEFA membership association has also been under criticism as Kazakhstan has shared more commons with the authoritarian AFC than with more democratic UEFA due to the majority of Asian nations being authoritarian as contrast to European ones, which has gained headline after Kazakhstan become the first UEFA member after Belarus to send a national team (U-21) to play Russia since the invasion of Ukraine.[192][193][194] Additionally, FC Astana, a football project launched by the autocratic government of Nursultan Nazarbayev to gain foothold in Europe and justify its membership switch, was also seen as sportswashing.[195]
- Myanmar has been recently allowed to host the 2022 AFF Championship and their clubs allowed to play home games in the 2023–24 AFC Cup despite grave human rights concerns in the aftermath of the Myanmar protests and massacres by the Tatmadaw on unarmed protesters.[196][197] Additionally, the AFC is also accused of sportswashing in support for the Tatmadaw, by denying the request of the Australian club Macarthur FC to play their away match against Burmese opponent Shan United F.C. in a neutral ground.[197]
- Israel competed at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris from 26 July to 11 August 2024.[198] Prior to the games, Palestinian sports organizations and sports organizations from Arab countries called for sanctions to be imposed against Israel for its war crimes against Palestinians and to prevent its participation in the 2024 Summer Olympics due to the Israel–Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.[199]
See also
[edit]- Greenwashing
- Pinkwashing (LGBT)
- Politics and sports
- Potemkin village
- Reputation laundering
- Soft power
- Spin (propaganda)
- Sport sanctions
References
[edit]- ^ "Bahrain's grim human rights violations are behind the glamour of the Grand Prix". www.amnesty.org. 27 March 2019. Archived from the original on 27 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- ^ a b c d e Sagnier, Pierre (26 July 2021). "Sportswashing: the gulf countries' strategy to mask abysmal human rights records". Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ "What is sportswashing and why is it such a big problem?". Greenpeace UK. 23 March 2023. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
- ^ Wilson, Jonathan. "Sportswashing and Global Football's Immense Power". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
- ^ "Sportswashing, a new word for an old idea – Sportstar". 24 April 2020. Archived from the original on 24 April 2020. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
- ^ "Saudi uses sports 'soft power' as lever of influence". France 24. 2 January 2020. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
- ^ "Qatar's soft power sports diplomacy". Middle East Institute. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
- ^ "Saudi uses sports 'soft power' as lever of influence". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 1 April 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
- ^ "From the Qatar World Cup 2022 to F1, PSG, Newcastle Utd and Man City: 'Sportswashing' allegations explained". inews. 23 November 2021. Archived from the original on 23 November 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
- ^ Rhys, Paul. "Blatter reaches out to Arabia". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
- ^ MacInnes, Paul (21 September 2023). "Mohammed bin Salman says he will 'continue doing sport washing' for Saudi Arabia". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
- ^ "'Sportswashing': unethical but sadly here to stay". Palatinate. 24 March 2021. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ "Qatar's World Cup denounced for 'washing' country's image". AP News. 16 November 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
- ^ "Rights Groups Letter to F1 CEO Ahead of Bahrain Grand Prix: 20 Years of Sportswashing". Freedom House. 11 December 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
- ^ "Sportswashing: a growing threat to sport". Upstart. 17 September 2020. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
- ^ a b Kennedy, Tristan (21 September 2020). "The 'Sportswashing' Behind One of the World's Biggest Cycling Teams". Vice News. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
- ^ "Amnesty criticises Manchester City over 'sportswashing'". The Guardian. 11 November 2018. Archived from the original on 6 January 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
- ^ Goldbaum, Christina (3 November 2022). "The World Cup Is Weeks Away. Will Qatar Be Ready?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Saudi Arabia has spent at least $1.5bn on 'sportswashing', report reveals". The Guardian. 28 March 2021. Archived from the original on 1 March 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
- ^ "Saudi Arabia has spent 'at least' $1.5bn on 'sportswashing'". Middle East Monitor. 29 March 2021. Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
- ^ Ramirez, Bert A. (3 August 2014). "Looking back: The 1978 World Basketball Championship in Manila (Part I)". Rappler. Archived from the original on 18 November 2022. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f "Igniting the Truth Against Authoritarian Sportswashing". Human Rights Foundation. 17 December 2021. Archived from the original on 25 February 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
- ^ Mangaluz, Jean. "Bongbong Marcos reminisces father's Fiba ceremonial toss, vows support for World Cup". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
- ^ "Qatar announced as host of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027". FIBA.basketball. Archived from the original on 28 April 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
- ^ "U.S. National Basketball Association (NBA) criticized for "Dictor games" in United Arab Emirates". Fairsquare. Archived from the original on 1 October 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
- ^ a b c d Sikes, Michelle M; Rider, Toby C.; Llewellyn, Matthew P. (29 November 2021). Sport and Apartheid South Africa: Histories of Politics, Power, and Protest. Routledge. ISBN 9781000488524.
- ^ a b c "What is it with heavyweight boxers and brutal dictators? | Opinion". Newsweek. 29 August 2019. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Søyland, Håvard Stamnes (November 2020). "Qatar's sports strategy: A case of sports diplomacy or sportswashing?" (PDF). ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 August 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ "Sport and human rights – where should stars draw a line in the sand?". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 20 December 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ Reuben Rosso-Powell (23 February 2024). "'Historic' night predicted as Mixed Martial Arts heads for Saudi Arabia". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
- ^ Martin, Damon (7 August 2024). "Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira, Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco headline PFL PPV in October". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
- ^ "Francis Ngannou to Make PFL Debut in Heavyweight Title Fight vs. Renan Ferreira". Bleacher Report. 7 August 2024. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
- ^ "2024 PFL Championships announced for Nov. 29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia". MMA Junkie. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ Nolan King (24 January 2024). "Saudi Arabia announces new date for inaugural UFC event in Riyadh". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Lenskyj, Helen Jefferson (15 April 2020). The Olympic Games: A Critical Approach. Emerald Publishing. ISBN 978-1838677763.
- ^ a b c d e f g Rogers, Neal (12 February 2019). "The Weekly Spin: The Intersection Of Pro Cycling And Basic Human Rights". CyclingTips. Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ Harris, Joe; Maxwell, Steve (22 September 2021). "The Outer Line: The UCI approaches a sportswashing crossroads". VeloNews. Archived from the original on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ "Why Australia and West Indies refused to play in Sri Lanka during 1996 World Cup?". Mykel. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
- ^ "Standing up for their principles". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
- ^ "The black band of courage". ESPN Cricinfo. 2 May 2007. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
- ^ "The Guardian view on World Cup sportwashing: money talks – and what it says is troubling". The Guardian. 8 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
- ^ Menon, Suresh (29 September 2023). "ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 | A win-win for India's ruling party". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
- ^ Ronay, Barney (15 February 2019). "Sportswashing and the tangled web of Europe's biggest clubs". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 11 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ Frommer, Frederic J. (16 December 2022). "The World Cup that left human rights behind". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ Cox, Michael. "How Spain won Euro 1964: Unheralded manager, Franco's approval and Luis Suarez". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ Edwards, Daniel (21 June 2018). "The dark story of the dictatorship behind Argentina's 1978 World Cup win | Goal.com". www.goal.com. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ Billebault, Alexis (25 September 2020). "Libya: When Muammar Gaddafi played political football". The Africa Report. Archived from the original on 18 November 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2021.
- ^ a b c Chu, Marcus P. (9 April 2021). Sporting Events in China as Economic Development, National Image, and Political Ambition. Springer Nature. ISBN 9783030700164. Archived from the original on 18 November 2022. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
- ^ Richards, Joel (16 July 2007). "How the vinotinto attempted to capture the mood of a nation". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 18 November 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2021.
- ^ Brossier, Aurélien (3 August 2013). "Trophée des champions : pourquoi le Gabon ?" [Trophée des champions : why Gabon?] (in French). Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
- ^ Bento, Luciana (11 April 2014). "Brazil: Human rights under threat ahead of the World Cup". Amnesty International. Archived from the original on 18 November 2022.
- ^ Glenday, James (13 June 2018). "World Cup dream is 'sportswashing' Russia's appalling record". ABC News. Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ "Supercoppa italiana: appelli a Juventus e Milan per boicottare la finale di Riad dopo l'assassinio di Khasshoggi" (in Italian). SuperNews. 26 October 2018. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- ^ a b "Amnesty: stop Azerbaijan from sportswashing 'appalling human rights record'". The Irish Times. 22 May 2019. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ a b Kohan, Marisa (15 November 2019). "Así es Arabia Saudí, el país que albergará la Supercopa y que viola derechos humanos" [This is Saudi Arabia, the country that will host Supercopa and a human rights violators]. www.publico.es (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
- ^ Seb Stafford-Bloor (9 January 2020). "Holding the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia is not about using football as a force for good. It's about money". fourfourtwo.com. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
- ^ Ghosh, Ratul (12 January 2022). "Saudi Arabia Hosting The Spanish Super Cup: Makes Sense? Not Really". FootTheBall. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
- ^ "Why is Spanish Supercopa in Saudi Arabia? Reasons first domestic trophy in Spain is played in Middle East". www.sportingnews.com. 11 January 2023. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
- ^ "Explained: Why Supercopa de Espana is often held outside of Spain | Goal.com English Saudi Arabia". www.goal.com. 9 January 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ^ "Russia cleared to compete at Euro 2020 despite threat of four-year sports ban". Sky Sports. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ^ UEFA.com (23 April 2021). "Change of venues for some UEFA EURO 2020 matches announced | Inside UEFA". UEFA.com. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ^ Lloyd, Simon (2 July 2021). "Over The Rainbow: How Hungary sportswashed its way to the front of UEFA's queue". Sports Joe. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
- ^ Kunti, Samindra. "Azerbaijan's Sportswashing Culminates With Euro 2020 Quarterfinal". Forbes. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
- ^ "Green light for controversial Copa America to get underway". Marca. 11 June 2021. Archived from the original on 7 July 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
- ^ Gowler, Michael (25 October 2021). "Barcelona's Diego Maradona tribute slammed after Napoli snub and Saudi Arabia decision". Daily Mirror. United Kingdom. Archived from the original on 19 December 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
- ^ Baraka, Carey (22 August 2019). "CAREY BARAKA - Sports Washing and Politics in African Football | The Elephant". Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
- ^ "TROPHÉE DES CHAMPIONS - La Brigade Loire fait le choix de boycotter le Trophée des champions en Israël" [La Brigade Loire chooses to boycott Trophée des Champions in Israel]. Eurosport (in French). 23 July 2022. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
- ^ samidoun (31 July 2022). "Toulouse mobilization denounces the Champions Trophy in Tel Aviv". Samidoun: Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
- ^ Delaney, Miguel (24 March 2021). "Should football boycott the Qatar World Cup?". The Independent. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
- ^ Ingle, Sean (16 March 2023). "Fifa admits defeat over Saudi sponsorship of Women's World Cup". the Guardian. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ "Qatar replaces China as AFC Asian Cup 2023 host". ESPN.com. 17 October 2022. Archived from the original on 20 March 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
- ^ "FIFA's award of the World Cup to Saudi Arabia is blatant sports washing". Amnesty International. 14 February 2023. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
- ^ Terrado, Reuben (15 May 2024). "Philippines to host first FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup in 2025". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ Duerden, John (1 February 2023). "Saudi Arabia's hosting of 2027 AFC Asian Cup is an idea whose time has finally come". Arab News. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
- ^ Worden, Minky (7 November 2023). "Rights At Risk As Saudi Arabia 'Sole Bidder' To Host 2034 World Cup | Human Rights Watch". Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ^ Armour, Nancy (31 October 2023). "2034 World Cup should never go to Saudi Arabia. But FIFA turns a blind eye to sports washing". USA TODAY. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ^ McGillivray, David (8 November 2023). "How Saudi Arabia's unchallenged 2034 World Cup bid could weaken Fifa's human rights demands". The Conversation. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ^ Rondina, Steven (2 December 2019). "BLAST Global Finals part of problematic Middle East esports push – CS:GO – News". WIN.gg.
- ^ "BLAST announces controversial sponsorship with NEOM". Daily Esports. 30 July 2020. Archived from the original on 7 August 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
- ^ Chalk, Andy (29 July 2020). "Riot scraps controversial LEC partnership with Saudi Arabia following fan backlash". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
- ^ Carpenter, Nicole (29 July 2020). "League of Legends' Saudi Arabian partnership criticized by Riot community". Polygon. Archived from the original on 31 July 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
- ^ Thomas, Harrison (21 December 2022). "Calls grow for Danish government to slash BLAST funding if CS:GO event doesn't cut Abu Dhabi ties". Dot Esports. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
- ^ a b Graham, Michael (7 March 2022). "Graham: The PGA Tour's sportswashing problem in China". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on 9 March 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
- ^ a b c Warner, Ed (10 February 2022). "Ed Warner | Saudi Arabia's new sportswashing exercise leaves PGA and DP World Tours powerless in tussle for golf's superstars". sportspromedia.com. Archived from the original on 10 February 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
- ^ "Despite absence of big names, Saudi-backed golf league to begin in June". The Washington Post.
- ^ Schad, Tom. "LIV Golf shines spotlight on 'sportswashing' – the nascent term for an age-old strategy". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on 14 October 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
- ^ a b Mike Guy (June 2017). "A Reminder That F1 Is a Very Shady Business". Archived from the original on 25 March 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
- ^ a b "Circuits: Buenos Aires (Autodromo Oscar Galvez)". grandprix.com. Archived from the original on 6 October 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
- ^ Drumond, Maurício (July 2013). "For the good of sport and the nation: relations between sport and politics in the Portuguese New State (1933-1945)". Revista Estudos Políticos. 4 (8): 319–340. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
- ^ a b c d Miguel Delaney (10 June 2020). "Sportswashing is not new – but has never been more insidious". The Independent. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022.
- ^ Martin, Gordon (17 September 1985). "The Apartheid Controversy Reaches Formula 1 Racing". San Francisco Chronicle (FINAL ed.). p. 63.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Mclaughlin, Joshua (October 2021). "Sportswashing: its meaning and impact on the future of F1". Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ "See the Timeline of the Military Dictatorship, from 1964 to 1985". 29 June 2020. Archived from the original on 25 March 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
- ^ "Bahrain's grim human rights violations are behind the glamour of the Grand Prix". www.amnesty.org. 27 March 2019. Archived from the original on 27 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- ^ "Don't let Formula 1 sportswash Azerbaijan's human rights abuses". humanrightshouse.org. 17 June 2016. Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ a b "AP Interview: Saudi prince says sports is a tool for change". ABC News. 19 December 2019. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- ^ a b Ibrahim, Raka (23 November 2019). "Mengapa Kita Ngotot Menggelar Formula E & MotoGP? Sportswashing" [Why Do We Insist on Formula E & MotoGP? Sportswashing] (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ "Alle Grand-Prix uitslagen en bijzonderheden, van 1973 (het jaar dat Jack begon met racen) tot heden". Archive.li. Archived from the original on 25 July 2015. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ^ Chandran, Rina. "Indonesia's tourism mega-project 'tramples' on human rights, U.N. says". Reuters. Archived from the original on 4 December 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
- ^ a b c David Emmet (28 April 2021). "VR46 Team Announces Saudi Backing For MotoGP Project - Sportwashing Or Business As Usual?". Asphalt and Rubber. Archived from the original on 25 December 2021. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
- ^ "France raises human rights concerns as Dakar Rally begins in Saudi Arabia". RFI. 5 January 2020. Archived from the original on 9 August 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
- ^ a b Smith, Damien (22 November 2022). "WTCR's Jeddah swansong shows Saudi's powerful motor sport pull". Motorsport Magazine. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
- ^ Aleksandrov, Alexei; Aleksandrov, Grebeniuk; Runets, Volodymyr (22 July 2020). "The 1980 Olympics Are The 'Cleanest' In History. Athletes Recall How Moscow Cheated The System". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Archived from the original on 24 February 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
- ^ Worden, Minky (4 January 2022). "Opinion: Human rights abuses will taint the Olympics and the World Cup. It's time to end 'sportswashing' now". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
- ^ Manheim, Jarol (1990). "Rites of Passage: The 1988 Seoul Olympics as Public Diplomacy". The Western Political Quarterly. 43 (2). Western Political Science Association: 279–295. doi:10.2307/448367. JSTOR 448367.
- ^ Kang, Jaeho; Traganou, Jilly (2011). "The Beijing National Stadium as Media-space". Design and Culture. 3 (2): 145–163. doi:10.2752/175470811X13002771867761. S2CID 143762612.
- ^ a b "Op-Ed: As 2022 Olympics host, China escalated human rights abuses. Will IOC look the other way?". Los Angeles Times. 11 February 2021. Archived from the original on 18 February 2021. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
- ^ "The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics is a political tinderbox for Russia". The Guardian. 2 January 2013. Archived from the original on 5 December 2021. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
- ^ "Explainer: Why human rights matter at the World Cup". www.amnesty.org. 14 June 2018. Archived from the original on 27 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- ^ "Rio's preparations for this summer's Olympics risk unleashing a new wave of police violence against favela residents and protestors". Amnesty International. 5 June 2016. Archived from the original on 12 May 2022.
- ^ Field, Russell (7 March 2021). "2022 Winter Olympics will help Beijing 'sportwash' its human rights record". theconversation.com. The Conversation. Archived from the original on 7 March 2021. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
- ^ "Amnesty warns over 'sportswashing' at Beijing Olympics". www.france24.com. France 24. 19 January 2022. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
- ^ "Sports in Middle East 'fastest growing in the world', survey finds". The New Arab. 7 February 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- ^ a b "WTA says it is prepared to pull China tournaments over Peng Shuai". Al-Jazeera. 19 November 2021. Archived from the original on 19 November 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- ^ "Saudi Arabia to host Next Gen ATP Finals from 2023 to 2027". Reuters. 24 August 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
- ^ Ojst, Javier (20 May 2021). "Collision In Korea – Wrestling's Bizarre Political Game in a Land of War". prowrestlingstories.com. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- ^ "International Pro Wrestling Festival in Pyongyang - Tag 1". cagematch.net. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
- ^ Ahmed, Tufayel (31 October 2019). "WWE, Saudi Arabia 'Sportswashing' Country's 'Dire Human Rights Record' With First-ever Women's Match". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- ^ Zidan, Karim (15 July 2020). "Did Abu Dhabi plant PR reps at UFC 251 press conference to promote UAE tourism?". Bloody Elbow. Archived from the original on 9 May 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
- ^ Smith, Michael David (7 April 2016). "Some teams aren't on board with NFL's plans to play in China". ProFootballTalk. NBC Sports. Archived from the original on 3 February 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
- ^ Oliver, Brian (22 July 2014). "The forgotten story of … Robert Maxwell's 1986 Commonwealth Games | Sport | theguardian.com". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 7 April 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
- ^ "The Dirty Art of Sportswashing". Culture in Sport. 16 April 2021. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
- ^ Doggers, Peter (28 September 2016). "2017 Women's World Championship Awarded To Iran; Other FIDE Decisions - Chess.com". Chess.com. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2017.
- ^ "Belarus Understands the Diplomatic Power of Sport". The Guardian. 11 June 2019. Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ "China's rulers see the coronavirus as a chance to tighten their grip". The Economist. 8 February 2020. Archived from the original on 9 February 2020. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
- ^ "SEA Games 2019 displaces Aeta communities". 8 December 2019. Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ PhosAgro. "World Chess Championship 2021 starts in Dubai". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 26 November 2022.
- ^ Wang, Amber; Taylor, Jerome (6 August 2021). "Taiwan won't attend Hong Kong's Gay Games fearing security law". Hong Kong Free Press.
- ^ Garrison, Mark (8 August 2021). "CONTROVERSY SURROUNDS ASIA'S FIRST GAY GAMES IN HONG KONG". Star Observer. Archived from the original on 3 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
- ^ "Hungary". Amnesty. Archived from the original on 15 November 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
- ^ Janetsky, Megan (18 November 2023). "El Salvador's Miss Universe Pageant Drawing Attention at Crucial Moment for President". Associated Press. Mexico City, Mexico. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
- ^ Baker, Luke (19 January 2024). "A golden ball and a 167 break: Saudi Arabia's mad snooker gimmick is a step too far". The Independent. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
- ^ "Philippines locks in hosting rights for Men's World Championship 2025". Volleyball World. 20 March 2024. Archived from the original on 20 March 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ Beltran, Nelson (20 March 2024). "Philippines to host men's world volleyball championship in 2025". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on 20 March 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ a b Palmer, Dan (16 December 2020). "Doha to host 2030 Asian Games with Riyadh awarded 2034 edition". insidethegames.biz. Archived from the original on 16 December 2020. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
- ^ "The Sportswashing of Corruption". Fourth Floor. Archived from the original on 18 November 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
- ^ Black, Liam (16 July 2020). "How Sportswashing Is Taking Over Football". Sporting Ferret. Archived from the original on 18 November 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
- ^ "Partnership between S04 and GAZPROM ends prematurely". FC Schalke 04. 28 February 2022. Archived from the original on 10 December 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ a b Meadows, Mark; Ford, Matt (2 March 2022). "Roman Abramovich puts Chelsea up for sale as Russian money trail in sport draws attention". DW. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
- ^ "Manchester United official club statement on Aeroflot". Manchester United Official Website. 25 February 2022. Archived from the original on 16 January 2023. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
- ^ "Bayern Munich Fans Ramp Up Criticism of Club's Ties to Qatar". Sports Illustrated. 9 November 2021. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ^ Ford, Matt; McKinnon, Kyle (12 August 2021). "Messi, PSG, Qatar, FFP, sportswashing and geopolitics: quo vadis, football?". Deutsche Welle. Archived from the original on 14 January 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ^ Klein, Thomas (3 January 2018). "'Bayern Munich cannot remain silent'". Deutsche Welle. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ^ https://fcbayern.com/en/news/2023/06/joint-statement-fc-bayern-munich-and-qatar-airways [bare URL]
- ^ Gibson, Owen (1 May 2014). "Azerbaijan's sponsorship of Atlético Madrid proves spectacular success". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 1 May 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ^ Kilpatrick, Dan (1 November 2022). "Tottenham urged to ditch Chinese main sponsor AIA and 'show support for human rights and freedom'". standard.co.uk. Archived from the original on 1 November 2022. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
- ^ Farrell, Paul (10 September 2014). "'AFL 'reassessing' sponsorship with Royal Brunei after gay protests'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
- ^ "AFL Europe to terminate controversial deal with Royal Brunei Airlines". SportBusiness. 18 September 2014. Archived from the original on 18 November 2022. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
- ^ Ingle, Sean (10 October 2022). "Absurd': British Cycling faces backlash after announcing partnership with Shell". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
- ^ "Saudi-owned LIV Golf "Sportswashes" Rights Abuses". Amnesty International. 17 February 2023. Archived from the original on 20 February 2023. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
- ^ Kate Walker (20 December 2015). "Analysis: The real cost of PDVSA sponsoring Pastor Maldonado". motorsport.com. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
- ^ "Gordon Wins TRAXXAS Race At Long Beach". Stadium Super Trucks. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
- ^ "Venezuelan driver believes sponsor money will stay in IndyCar". The Florida Times-Union. 11 March 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
- ^ "Jordan and China form TV alliance". Motorsport.com. 3 March 2003. Archived from the original on 18 November 2022.
- ^ David Emmet (29 April 2021). "The Ramifications of Saudi Arabia Backing VR46's Move into MotoGP". Asphalt and Rubber. Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ "Aramco announces sponsorship of Formula 1". 10 March 2020. Archived from the original on 30 January 2022. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
- ^ Brittle, Cian (14 March 2023). "Aston Martin name Saudia as global airline sponsor". SportsPro. Archived from the original on 20 March 2023.
- ^ "NEOM partners with Mercedes EQ Formula E team". Arab News. 11 March 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
- ^ "Saudi Arabia's PIF-backed Neom partners McLaren in FE, XE". Motorsport Week. 27 June 2022. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
- ^ Noble, Johnathan (14 April 2022). "Haas rejects Uralkali request to repay F1 sponsorship money". motorsport.com. Archived from the original on 14 April 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
- ^ Bouzidi, Lyes (15 October 2021). "Newcastle United Takeover: How far is too far?". Sports Gazzette. Archived from the original on 16 December 2021. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ a b Brewin, John (10 January 2019). "How soccer become a geopolitical tool of influence". Archived from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ^ Mauro, Ezio (14 September 2005). "L'ultima legge ad personam" (in Italian). la Repubblica. Archived from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ^ "Ecco le leggi che hanno aiutato Berlusconi" (in Italian). la Repubblica. 23 November 2009. Archived from the original on 18 December 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ a b "L'elenco delle leggi ad personam" (in Italian). 9 November 2011. Archived from the original on 17 December 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ Bianchi, Fulvio (1 November 2003). "UE, bocciato il decreto salva-calcio. Molte società a rischio fallimento" (in Italian). la Repubblica. Archived from the original on 11 May 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ "Prosciolti Galliani, Milan e Inter" (in Italian). Il Sole 24 Ore. 31 January 2008. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
it: Assolto perché il fatto non costituisce reato.
[Acquitted because the act does not constitute a crime.] - ^ Alfano, Sonia (18 May 2011). "I Milan Club chiedono di votare Berlusconi" (in Italian). Il Fatto Quotidiano. Archived from the original on 16 December 2021. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ Jensen, Neil Fredrik (17 August 2019). "Does football really have a moral code?". Game of The People. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
- ^ Conn, David (7 August 2018). "Stan Kroenke's £550m offer to buy outright ownership of Arsenal is accepted". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 25 October 2022. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
- ^ "Want to know how successful sportswashing is? Just look at the Manchester City fans who cheerlead for Abu Dhabi". inews.co.uk. 30 November 2018. Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ Hemmingham, Nathan (25 April 2020). "Why Sheffield United are being drawn into Saudi backlash as a result of Newcastle takeover bid". YorkshireLive. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
- ^ "Saudi crown prince asked Boris Johnson to intervene in Newcastle United bid". The Guardian. 15 April 2021. Archived from the original on 7 October 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
- ^ "Several Paris-based NGOs call upon the Mairie de Paris to cease all form of support for Bahrain "sport-washing" campaign". Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain. 2 February 2021. Archived from the original on 29 April 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
- ^ "Le Qatar sans limite". leparisien.fr (in French). 7 March 2012. Archived from the original on 29 March 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
- ^ Puspaningrum, Bernadette Aderi (27 September 2021). "Kepemilikan Asing Brisbane Roar Bermasalah, Nama Joko Driyono dan Bakrie Dicatut" [Foreign Ownership of Brisbane Roar Deemed Troublesome, As Joko Driyono and Bakrie Name Was Put Under Spotlight]. Kompas.com (in Indonesian). Indonesia. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ Stephanie Yang (15 December 2020). "Washington Spirit partnership with Qatar is troubling". All for XI. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
- ^ Kosman, Josh; Lewis, Brian (1 March 2022). "Did Vladimir Putin pressure Mikhail Prokhorov to sell the Brooklyn Nets?". New York Post. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
- ^ Fainaru-Wada, Mark; Fainaru, Steve (14 April 2022). "Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai is the face of NBA's uneasy China relationship". ESPN. Archived from the original on 15 November 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
- ^ a b V Singh, Vijay (19 June 2018). "Vijay Mallya used Force India, RCB for laundering: ED chargesheet". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
- ^ Pg 35-71, Peter May, The Rebel Tours: Cricket's Crisis of Conscience, 2009
- ^ Pg 55, May 2009
- ^ Fildes, Nic (14 March 2013). "Bahrain violence convinces Vodafone to end its F1 deal". The Times. Archived from the original on 17 March 2013. Retrieved 17 March 2013.
- ^ Forde, Pat. "The Derby, the Sheikh and the Missing Princess: A Troubling Mix". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
- ^ updated, Tyler Wilde last (25 January 2022). "Major esports host ESL Gaming is now owned by Saudi Arabia". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
- ^ Dawson, Alan. "Daniel Kinahan appears to be at the heart of a campaign to sportswash his image as the suspected boss of a $1 billion cartel". Insider. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
- ^ Reyes, Gerardo; Ocando, Cato (4 August 2013). "Boliburgueses y el encanto del Imperio". Univision. Archived from the original on 25 December 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
- ^ "Quarantine prize money of Chechen horse: Greens". Sydney Morning Gerald. 3 November 2009. Archived from the original on 11 October 2017. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
- ^ "The President of Turkmenistan Awarded with UCI Certificate". Business.com. 4 July 2019. Archived from the original on 2 May 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.[failed verification]
- ^ "Sjakk-VMs mørke side: Midt på natten ble firebarnsfaren hentet av 12 maskerte menn". www.aftenposten.no (in Norwegian Bokmål). 5 December 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
- ^ "The curious case of Kazakh football". FIFA.
- ^ natalia.saucedo (18 February 2022). "Kazakhstan in Context: A Repressive State". Human Rights Foundation. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
- ^ "Наша молодежка продолжит феерить на полях Белоруссии. Прогноз на Россия U21 — Казахстан U21 - 22 сентября 2022 - Sport24". sport24.ru (in Russian). Retrieved 7 November 2023.
- ^ Lowe, Martin (20 December 2022). "OPINION: AFC must soon confront the looming question over Russia". The Asian Game. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
- ^ Bartlett, Paul (10 November 2015). "Kazakhstan: Counting the Costs of Astana Sports Project". Eurasia.net.
- ^ "Myanmar loses to Malaysia in first home international football match since start of pandemic-Xinhua". english.news.cn. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ a b "Furore over Australian soccer team's match in war-torn Myanmar during AFC Cup". ABC News. 5 October 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ Picazo, Raul Daffunchio (24 February 2024). "French lawmakers call on Olympic committee to sanction Israel". insidethegames.biz.
- ^ Zirin, Dave (10 January 2024). "Will the IOC Do Anything About the Killing of Palestinian Athletes?". The Nation.