sportswashing

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

noun

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sportswashing¹

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

Example Sentences

Many critics claim the investment into top-class sport is a move to gain legitimacy and deflect attention from controversy over Saudi Arabia's human rights record, a practice known as 'sportswashing'.

Read more on BBC

Saudi Arabia has been accused of using its investment in sports and high-profile events to improve its image - known as 'sportswashing' - amid criticism over its human rights record.

Read more on BBC

“Sportswashing”—you’ve likely heard the term.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The group said Rwanda’s Arsenal sponsorship constitutes sportswashing, “an effort to gain an appearance of respectability that they don’t deserve.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Saudi Arabian government has spent years denying claims of 'sportswashing' - sponsoring or hosting sporting events to promote a positive public image and distract attention from human rights issues.

Read more on BBC