Sportswashing is a term that has been in the headlines in the last few years a lot. There are many definitions out there. However, it can simply be described as an individual, group, cooperation or state hosting a sporting event, owning or sponsoring a sports team or even a competition.
Is Sportswashing Illegal?
No, it is not illegal but many people consider it to be unethical. The term comes from the word “whitewashing”. It is a costly form of propaganda.
Famous Examples of Sportswashing
In 1936, Nazi Germany held the summer Olympics which is considered one of the oldest ones.
In the 70s, a boxing match between Mohammed Ali and George Foreman squared it out in what was |known as The Rumble in the Jungle. It was held in Kinshasa, Zaire.
Formula 1 has also been in the spotlight by holding Grand Prix events in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Azerbaijan.
Sportswashing in Football
Football is the biggest sport in the world has had its fair share. Roman Abramovich’s ownership of Chelsea Football Club is said to have been done at the request of Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Moreover, a Russian state-owned oil company sponsors teams such as Zenit St. Petersburg as well as the UEFA Champions League.
Moreover, the United Arab Emirates is where the owners of Manchester City come from. Tamin bin Hamid Al Thani who is the Emir of Qatar also owns Paris Saint-Germain through closed shareholders of Qatar Sports Investment (QSI).
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is also considered one of the most prominent Sportswashing cases in recent times.
Sports and Politics
Many nations have used Sportswashing as a soft power tool to clean up their questionable humanitarian and political reputation.
Nonetheless, using sports to clean up an image is a new tactic. Many companies, individuals and states have been using this to improve their brand images for a minute.
Sports evoke powerful emotions from fans because they form a strong bond with their players and teams. Therefore, this strong sense of bond and belonging is being used by these people to clean their image. The practice is on the rise and it will continue to grow.
