SPORTSWASHING Definition & Meaning

sportswashing

[ spawrts-wosh-ing, -waw-shing ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

an instance or practice of rehabilitating the bad reputation of a person, company, nation, etc., or mitigating negative press coverage with a sports event, or an appeal to unify and reconcile groups in conflict by celebrating fans’ shared love of a game:
The cost of sportswashing, from building stadiums to other infrastructure investments, has been worth it to a regime with such an indefensible human rights record.

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of sportswashing¹

First recorded in 2010–15; sportswash ( def ) + -ing ¹( def )

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Critics suggest Saudi's investment in sport is to gain legitimacy and deflect attention from controversy over its human rights record, a practice known as 'sportswashing'.

From

However, critics suggest the Kingdom's spending - which includes the creation of a breakaway golf circuit, the LIV Golf League, by its Public Investment Fund - is to gain legitimacy and deflect attention from controversy over its human rights record, a practice known as 'sportswashing'.

From

Most recently, Rwanda has been accused of "sportswashing" - with critics saying it uses the feel-good factor of international football to cover up alleged human rights abuses at home.

From

The Visit Rwanda campaign has successfully raised the east African country's profile but Rwanda's government has been accused of investing in sport to enhance its global image - a strategy labelled by critics as 'sportswashing'.

From

The Rwandan government has dismissed accusations of sportswashing, with its chief tourism officer Irene Murerwa calling them "a distraction" from the "amazing and outstanding achievements the country has made".

From

Browse