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The Conversation
The Conversation
Politics
Ben Rich, Senior lecturer in History and International Relations, Curtin University

Is Saudi Arabia using 'sportswashing' to simply hide its human rights abuses – or is there a bigger strategy at play?

United States bin Salman Human Rights Saudi Arabia Jamal Khashoggi Mohammad bin Salman Mohammed bin Salman Kingdom
Christiano Ronaldo signed a 2.5-year contract with the Saudi team with Al Nassr, estimated to be worth more than 200 million euros. He made his debut in January. Hussein Malla/AP

As Saudi Arabia continues to open up internationally, it is yet again in hot water over its human rights record. The current controversy revolves around the kingdom’s increasing presence in the sporting world and accusations of “sportswashing”.

In recent years, the Saudis have thrown the heavy weight of their Public Investment Fund into partnerships with Western institutions like the PGA, Formula One racing and World Wrestling Entertainment.

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