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.

]: 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.

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.

[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.

[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.