Sportswashing

File:Vladimir Putin FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour kick-off ceremony.jpg holding the FIFA World Cup Trophy at a pre-tournament ceremony in Moscow on 9 September 2017]]

Internationally, sportswashing has been described as part of a country's soft power.{{Cite web|date=24 April 2020|title=Sportswashing, a new word for an old idea – Sportstar|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/columns/lastword-suresh-menon/sportswashing-saudi-arabia-manchester-city-united-psg-champions-league-olympics-f1-boxing-athletics-football/article30311790.ece|access-date=18 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424183303/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/columns/lastword-suresh-menon/sportswashing-saudi-arabia-manchester-city-united-psg-champions-league-olympics-f1-boxing-athletics-football/article30311790.ece|archive-date=24 April 2020}}{{Cite web|date=2 January 2020|title=Saudi uses sports 'soft power' as lever of influence|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200102-saudi-uses-sports-soft-power-as-lever-of-influence|access-date=18 February 2021|website=France 24|language=en|archive-date=22 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122105736/https://www.france24.com/en/20200102-saudi-uses-sports-soft-power-as-lever-of-influence|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Qatar's soft power sports diplomacy|url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/qatars-soft-power-sports-diplomacy|access-date=18 February 2021|website=Middle East Institute|language=en|archive-date=22 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122152339/https://www.mei.edu/publications/qatars-soft-power-sports-diplomacy|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Saudi uses sports 'soft power' as lever of influence|work=Bangkok Post|date=2 January 2020 |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/1827404/saudi-uses-sports-soft-power-as-lever-of-influence|access-date=18 February 2021|archive-date=1 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401123013/https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/1827404/saudi-uses-sports-soft-power-as-lever-of-influence|url-status=live}} The first usage of the term "sportswashing" may have been applied to Azerbaijan and its hosting of the 2015 European Games in Baku.{{Cite web|date=23 November 2021|title=From the Qatar World Cup 2022 to F1, PSG, Newcastle Utd and Man City: 'Sportswashing' allegations explained|url=https://inews.co.uk/news/long-reads/qatar-world-cup-2022-f1-psg-newcastle-utd-man-city-sportswashing-1312185|access-date=15 June 2023|website=inews|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123173410/https://inews.co.uk/news/long-reads/qatar-world-cup-2022-f1-psg-newcastle-utd-man-city-sportswashing-1312185|archive-date=23 November 2021}}

Gulf states accused of sportswashing 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.{{Cite web |last=Rhys |first=Paul |title=Blatter reaches out to Arabia |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2010/4/24/blatter-reaches-out-to-arabia |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=MacInnes |first=Paul |date=2023-09-21 |title=Mohammed bin Salman says he will 'continue doing sport washing' for Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/21/mohammed-bin-salman-says-he-will-continue-doing-sport-washing-for-saudi-arabia |access-date=2024-04-16 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} These accused parties often say that sporting boycotts and event relocation are both unfair to sporting fans and are ineffective in changing government policy. 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."{{Cite web|title='Sportswashing': unethical but sadly here to stay|url=https://www.palatinate.org.uk/sportswashing-unethical-but-sadly-here-to-stay/|access-date=13 April 2021|website=Palatinate|date=24 March 2021|language=en-GB|archive-date=22 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122092812/https://www.palatinate.org.uk/sportswashing-unethical-but-sadly-here-to-stay/|url-status=live}}{{Unreliable source?|date=February 2022}}{{Cite web |date=2022-11-16 |title=Qatar's World Cup denounced for 'washing' country's image |url=https://apnews.com/article/eileen-gu-roman-abramovich-sports-soccer-business-cc0594f123b85bc5d4cc404cba6fb37e |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=AP News |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-12-11 |title=Rights Groups Letter to F1 CEO Ahead of Bahrain Grand Prix: 20 Years of Sportswashing |url=https://freedomhouse.org/article/rights-groups-letter-f1-ceo-ahead-bahrain-grand-prix-20-years-sportswashing |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=Freedom House |language=en}} The 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia has been cited as an example to tackle the country's global reputation, which was low due to its foreign policy and the sporting event changed the focus of discussions to the success of the World Cup.{{Cite web|date=17 September 2020|title=Sportswashing: a growing threat to sport|url=https://www.upstart.net.au/sportswashing/|access-date=18 February 2021|website=Upstart|language=en-AU|archive-date=22 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122104008/https://www.upstart.net.au/sportswashing/|url-status=live}}

Companies accused of sportswashing include Ineos's sponsorship of professional cycling's Team Sky (now the Ineos Grenadiers) in 2019, and Arabtec's sponsorship of Manchester City F.C.{{Cite web|date=11 November 2018|title=Amnesty criticises Manchester City over 'sportswashing'|url=http://www.theguardian.com/law/2018/nov/11/manchester-city-owners-accused-sportswashing-gulf-image|access-date=18 February 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=6 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106112747/https://www.theguardian.com/law/2018/nov/11/manchester-city-owners-accused-sportswashing-gulf-image|url-status=live}}

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. For example, leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup the host country Qatar, the smallest country to ever host the World Cup, invested around $220 billion into luxury accommodations, expanded transport networks, and stadiums to prepare.{{Cite news |last=Goldbaum |first=Christina |date=2022-11-03 |title=The World Cup Is Weeks Away. Will Qatar Be Ready? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/03/world/middleeast/world-cup-qatar.html |access-date=2024-04-13 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} 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.{{Cite web|date=28 March 2021|title=Saudi Arabia has spent at least $1.5bn on 'sportswashing', report reveals|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/28/saudi-arabia-has-spent-at-least-15bn-on-sportswashing-report-reveals|access-date=22 April 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=1 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301025506/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/28/saudi-arabia-has-spent-at-least-15bn-on-sportswashing-report-reveals|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=29 March 2021|title=Saudi Arabia has spent 'at least' $1.5bn on 'sportswashing'|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210329-saudi-arabia-has-spent-at-least-1-5bn-on-sportswashing/|access-date=22 April 2021|website=Middle East Monitor|language=en-GB|archive-date=7 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307142727/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210329-saudi-arabia-has-spent-at-least-1-5bn-on-sportswashing/|url-status=live}}

File:2023 PBBM courtesy call FIBA World Cup 1.jpg in a courtesy call with members of the FIBA Central Board on 28 April 2023 the day before the Drawing Ceremony.]]

• The 1978 FIBA World Championship, held in the Philippines under Ferdinand Marcos.{{cite web|last1=Ramirez|first1=Bert A.|title=Looking back: The 1978 World Basketball Championship in Manila (Part I)|url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/fiba/looking-back-world-basketball-championship-manila-part-i|access-date=28 November 2021|website=Rappler|date=3 August 2014 |archive-date=18 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118222222/https://www.rappler.com/sports/fiba/looking-back-world-basketball-championship-manila-part-i|url-status=live}}
• The 2013 FIBA Americas Championship, held in Venezuela.
• 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup held in China.
• The 2021 BAL season, held in Rwanda.
• The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, held partially in the Philippines under the presidency of Bongbong Marcos, son of Ferdinand Marcos.{{cite news|last1=Mangaluz|first1=Jean|title=Bongbong Marcos reminisces father's Fiba ceremonial toss, vows support for World Cup|url=https://sports.inquirer.net/507077/bongbong-marcos-reminisces-fathers-fiba-ceremonial-toss-vows-support-for-world-cup|access-date=2023-04-29 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}
• The 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, held in Qatar{{Cite web |title=Qatar announced as host of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/news/qatar-announced-as-host-of-the-fiba-basketball-world-cup-2027 |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=FIBA.basketball |date=27 April 2023 |language=en |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428172246/https://www.fiba.basketball/news/qatar-announced-as-host-of-the-fiba-basketball-world-cup-2027 |url-status=live }}
• NBA hosting pre-season games in United Arab Emirates since 2022.{{Cite web |title=U.S. National Basketball Association (NBA) criticized for "Dictor games" in United Arab Emirates.

|url=https://fairsq.org/2022/10/04/u-s-national-basketball-association-nba-criticized-for-dictator-games-this-week-in-united-arab-emirates/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=Fairsquare|language=en |archive-date=1 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001000000/https://fairsq.org/2022/10/04/u-s-national-basketball-association-nba-criticized-for-dictator-games-this-week-in-united-arab-emirates/|url-status=live }}

• The 1973 light heavyweight boxing match between South African Pierre Fourie and American Bob Foster, held in Rand Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa during the apartheid era.{{cite book |last1=Sikes |first1=Michelle M |last2=Rider |first2=Toby C. |last3=Llewellyn |first3=Matthew P. |author-link= |date= 29 November 2021|title=Sport and Apartheid South Africa: Histories of Politics, Power, and Protest |location= |publisher= Routledge |page= |isbn=9781000488524}}
• The 1974 undisputed world heavyweight title match between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, known as The Rumble in the Jungle, held in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) during the dictatorship of Mobutu Sese Seko.{{Cite web|date=29 August 2019|title=What is it with heavyweight boxers and brutal dictators? {{!}} Opinion|url=https://www.newsweek.com/boxers-dictators-zair-saudi-arabia-sportswashing-1456808|access-date=9 June 2021|website=Newsweek|language=en|archive-date=2 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202142526/https://www.newsweek.com/boxers-dictators-zair-saudi-arabia-sportswashing-1456808|url-status=live}}
• The 1975 world heavyweight title trilogy match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, known as Thrilla in Manila, held in Quezon City, Philippines during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.
• The 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships held in Qatar.{{cite web |last1=Søyland |first1=Håvard Stamnes |date=November 2020 |title=Qatar's sports strategy: A case of sports diplomacy or sportswashing? |url=https://repositorio.iscte-iul.pt/bitstream/10071/22176/1/master_havard_stamnes_soyland.pdf |work= ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon|volume= |issue= |pages= |doi= |access-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809110749/https://repositorio.iscte-iul.pt/bitstream/10071/22176/1/master_havard_stamnes_soyland.pdf |archive-date=9 August 2021 |url-status=live }}
• The 2019 world heavyweight title rematch between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua, known as Clash on The Dunes, held in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.{{Cite news|title=Sport and human rights – where should stars draw a line in the sand?|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/50683816|access-date=9 June 2021|archive-date=20 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220131014/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/50683816|url-status=live}}

The following were held in Saudi Arabia in 2024.

• PFL vs. Bellator{{Cite web|url=https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/historic-night-predicted-mixed-martial-130927210.html|title='Historic' night predicted as Mixed Martial Arts heads for Saudi Arabia|publisher=Yahoo Sports|author=Reuben Rosso-Powell|date=2024-02-23|access-date=2024-02-24}}
• PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2024-08-07 |title=Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira, Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco headline PFL PPV in October |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/8/7/24215112/francis-ngannou-vs-renan-ferreira-cris-cyborg-vs-larissa-pacheco-headline-pfl-ppv-in-october |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-08-07 |title=Francis Ngannou to Make PFL Debut in Heavyweight Title Fight vs. Renan Ferreira |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10131038-francis-ngannou-to-make-pfl-debut-in-heavyweight-title-fight-vs-renan-ferreira |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en-US}}
• PFL 10 (2024){{Cite web |date=2024-10-17 |title=2024 PFL Championships announced for Nov. 29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/10/2024-pfl-championships-riyadh-saudi-arabia-1-million-november-29-division-titles-championship-women-mma |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

• UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/01/ufc-saudi-arabia-date-fight-card-riyadh|title=Saudi Arabia announces new date for inaugural UFC event in Riyadh|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=2024-01-24|access-date=2024-01-24}}

• Vuelta a Venezuela held since 1963.
• Vuelta a Cuba held in 1964–2010.{{cite book |last=Lenskyj |first=Helen Jefferson |author-link= |date=15 April 2020 |title=The Olympic Games: A Critical Approach |location= |publisher=Emerald Publishing |page= |isbn=978-1838677763}}
• Vuelta al Táchira held in Venezuela since 1966.
• Tour of Qatar held in 2002–2016.{{cite web|last1=Rogers|first1=Neal|title=The Weekly Spin: The Intersection Of Pro Cycling And Basic Human Rights|url=https://cyclingtips.com/2019/02/the-weekly-spin-the-intersection-of-pro-cycling-and-basic-human-rights/|access-date=27 November 2021|website=CyclingTips|date=12 February 2019|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127153144/https://cyclingtips.com/2019/02/the-weekly-spin-the-intersection-of-pro-cycling-and-basic-human-rights/|url-status=live}}
• Tour of Beijing held in 2011–2014.
• Dubai Tour held in 2014–2018.
• Abu Dhabi Tour held in 2015–2018.
• 2016 UCI Road World Championships held in Qatar.
• Tour of Guangxi held since 2017.
• UAE Tour held since 2019
• Tour Femenino de Venezuela held in 2019.
• Tour of Oman held since 2020.
• The 2025 UCI Road World Championships scheduled to be held in Rwanda.{{cite web|last1=Harris|first1=Joe|last2=Maxwell|first2=Steve|title=The Outer Line: The UCI approaches a sportswashing crossroads|url=https://www.velonews.com/culture/the-outer-line-the-uci-approaches-a-sportswashing-crossroads/|access-date=27 November 2021|website=VeloNews|date=22 September 2021|archive-date=30 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130200057/https://www.velonews.com/culture/the-outer-line-the-uci-approaches-a-sportswashing-crossroads/|url-status=live}}

• The 1996 Cricket World Cup held in Sri Lanka.{{cite web|url=https://www.mykhel.com/cricket/why-australia-and-west-indies-refused-to-play-in-sri-lanka-during-1996-world-cup-220330.html |title=Why Australia and West Indies refused to play in Sri Lanka during 1996 World Cup? |work=Mykel |date=28 June 2023 |access-date=3 August 2023}}
• The 2003 Cricket World Cup held in Zimbabwe.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/standing-up-for-their-principles-292618 |title=Standing up for their principles |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=10 February 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/149353.html |title=The black band of courage |work=ESPN Cricinfo |date=2 May 2007 |access-date=10 February 2022}}
• The 2023 Cricket World Cup held in India.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/08/the-guardian-view-on-world-cup-sportwashing-money-talks-and-what-it-says-is-troubling |title= The Guardian view on World Cup sportwashing: money talks – and what it says is troubling |work=The Guardian |date=8 October 2023 |access-date=22 October 2023}}{{Cite news |last=Menon |first=Suresh |date=2023-09-29 |title=ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 {{!}} A win-win for India's ruling party |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/icc-mens-cricket-world-cup-2023-india-modi-political-spectacle-win-win/article67334081.ece |url-access=subscription |access-date=2023-12-04 |issn=0971-751X}}

File:Rusia entregó el relevo de la antorcha de la Copa del Mundo a Qatar.jpg handing over the symbolic relay baton for the hosting rights of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar in June 2018]]

• The 1934 FIFA World Cup held during the rule of Benito Mussolini in Italy.{{Cite web |last=Ronay |first=Barney |date=2019-02-15 |title=Sportswashing and the tangled web of Europe's biggest clubs |url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/feb/15/sportswashing-europes-biggest-clubs-champions-league-owners-sponsors-uefa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011032529/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/feb/15/sportswashing-europes-biggest-clubs-champions-league-owners-sponsors-uefa |archive-date=11 October 2021 |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Frommer |first=Frederic J. |date=2022-12-16 |title=The World Cup that left human rights behind |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/12/15/1978-world-cup-argentina/ |access-date=2024-09-01 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}
• The 1964 European Nations' Cup held in Spain under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco.{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Michael |title=How Spain won Euro 1964: Unheralded manager, Franco's approval and Luis Suarez |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5028409/2023/11/05/euro-1964-spain/ |access-date=2024-09-01 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}
• The 1978 FIFA World Cup held in Argentina under a military dictatorship.{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Daniel |date=2018-06-21 |title=The dark story of the dictatorship behind Argentina's 1978 World Cup win {{!}} Goal.com |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/the-dark-story-of-the-dictatorship-behind-argentinas-1978-world-cup-win/1k53qqcgt7r8q19xcawarwgsls |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=www.goal.com |language=en}}
• The 1988 AFC Asian Cup held in Qatar.
• The 1995 FIFA World Youth Championship held in Qatar.
• The 2002 Supercoppa Italiana between Juventus and Parma held in Libya under Muammar Gaddafi.{{cite web|last1=Billebault|first1=Alexis|title=Libya: When Muammar Gaddafi played political football|url=https://www.theafricareport.com/42965/libya-when-muammar-gaddafi-played-political-football/|access-date=29 November 2021|website=The Africa Report|date=25 September 2020|archive-date=18 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118222234/https://www.theafricareport.com/42965/libya-when-muammar-gaddafi-played-political-football/|url-status=live}}
• The 2004 African Cup of Nations held in Tunisia under Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.{{Cite web |last=MATIN |first=LE |date=4 May 2003 |title=Le Matin – La Tunisie se prépare à la CAN 2004 |url=https://lematin.ma/journal/2003/La-Tunisie--se-prepare-a-la-CAN-2004/28669.html |access-date=2021-03-15 |website=Le Matin |language=fr}}{{Cite web |title=Tunisie - Archives des articles football - Afrik-Foot |url=https://www.afrik-foot.com/foot-tunisie |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=www.afrik-foot.com |language=fr-FR}}
• The 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup held in China (initially awarded the 2003 bid but moved to the United States due to SARS).{{cite book |last1=Chu |first1=Marcus P. |title=Sporting Events in China as Economic Development, National Image, and Political Ambition |date=9 April 2021 |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=9783030700164 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f4soEAAAQBAJ&dq=2003+women%27s+world+cup+china+human+rights&pg=PA23 |access-date=22 January 2022 |archive-date=18 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118222219/https://books.google.com/books?id=f4soEAAAQBAJ&dq=2003+women%27s+world+cup+china+human+rights&pg=PA23 |url-status=live }}
• The 2007 Copa América held in Venezuela.{{cite web|last1=Richards|first1=Joel|title=How the vinotinto attempted to capture the mood of a nation|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/jul/16/sport.comment|access-date=29 November 2021|website=The Guardian|date=16 July 2007|archive-date=18 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118222224/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/jul/16/sport.comment|url-status=live}}
• The 2011 AFC Asian Cup held in Qatar.
• The 2013 Trophée des Champions between Paris Saint-Germain and Bordeaux held in Gabon.{{cite web |title=Trophée des champions : pourquoi le Gabon ? |url=https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/ligue-1/trophee-des-champions-pourquoi-le-gabon_AN-201308030113.html |last=Brossier |first=Aurélien |date=3 August 2013 |access-date=30 November 2021 |language=fr |trans-title=Trophée des champions : why Gabon? |archive-date=30 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130115851/https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/ligue-1/trophee-des-champions-pourquoi-le-gabon_AN-201308030113.html |url-status=live }}
• The 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil.{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2014/04/brazil-human-rights-under-threat-ahead-world-cup/ |title=Brazil: Human rights under threat ahead of the World Cup |last=Bento |first=Luciana |date=11 April 2014 |website=Amnesty International |publisher= |access-date= |quote= |archive-date=18 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118222222/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2014/04/brazil-human-rights-under-threat-ahead-world-cup/ |url-status=live }}
• The 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia.{{cite news|last1=Glenday|first1=James|title=World Cup dream is 'sportswashing' Russia's appalling record|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-14/world-cup-dream-sportswashing-russia-appalling-record/9867166|access-date=27 November 2021|newspaper=ABC News|date=13 June 2018|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127111010/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-14/world-cup-dream-sportswashing-russia-appalling-record/9867166|url-status=live}}
• The Supercoppa Italiana held two controversial football matches in Saudi Arabia:
• The 2018 Supercoppa Italiana between Juventus and AC Milan held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.{{Cite web|url=http://news.superscommesse.it/calcio/2018/10/supercoppa-italiana-appelli-a-juventus-e-milan-per-boicottare-la-finalissima-di-riad-dopo-lassassinio-del-giornalista-khasshoggi-369467/|title=Supercoppa italiana: appelli a Juventus e Milan per boicottare la finale di Riad dopo l'assassinio di Khasshoggi|publisher=SuperNews|date=26 October 2018|language=it|access-date=28 November 2021|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128103048/https://news.superscommesse.it/calcio/2018/10/supercoppa-italiana-appelli-a-juventus-e-milan-per-boicottare-la-finalissima-di-riad-dopo-lassassinio-del-giornalista-khasshoggi-369467/|url-status=live}}
• The 2019 Supercoppa Italiana between Juventus and S.S. Lazio held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

File:Chelsea won UEFA Europa League final at Olympic Stadium and President Ilham Aliyev watched the final match 13.jpg playing against Arsenal at Baku Olympic Stadium during the UEFA Europa League Final on 29 May 2019]]

• The 2019 UEFA Europa League Final between Chelsea and Arsenal held in Azerbaijan{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/amnesty-stop-azerbaijan-from-sportswashing-appalling-human-rights-record-1.3900568|title=Amnesty: stop Azerbaijan from sportswashing 'appalling human rights record'|date=22 May 2019|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=27 November 2021|archive-date=28 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528171514/https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/amnesty-stop-azerbaijan-from-sportswashing-appalling-human-rights-record-1.3900568|url-status=live}}
• The 2019 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup were both held in Qatar.
• The Supercopa de España held football matches in Saudi Arabia:
• 2019–2020 Supercopa de España held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.{{cite news |last1=Kohan |first1=Marisa |title=Así es Arabia Saudí, el país que albergará la Supercopa y que viola derechos humanos |url=https://www.publico.es/sociedad/supercopa-futbol-arabia-saudi-pais-albergara-supercopa-viola-derechos-humanos.html |access-date=14 June 2020 |work=www.publico.es |trans-title=This is Saudi Arabia, the country that will host Supercopa and a human rights violators |date=15 November 2019 |language=es |archive-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111064737/https://www.publico.es/sociedad/supercopa-futbol-arabia-saudi-pais-albergara-supercopa-viola-derechos-humanos.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |author1=Seb Stafford-Bloor |date=2020-01-09 |title=Holding the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia is not about using football as a force for good. It's about money |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/spanish-super-cup-saudi-arabia-sportswashing-politics-human-rights-real-madrid-barcelona |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=fourfourtwo.com |language=en |archive-date=1 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201151929/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/spanish-super-cup-saudi-arabia-sportswashing-politics-human-rights-real-madrid-barcelona |url-status=live }}
• 2021–2022 Supercopa de España held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.{{Cite web |last=Ghosh |first=Ratul |date=2022-01-12 |title=Saudi Arabia Hosting The Spanish Super Cup: Makes Sense? Not Really |url=https://www.foottheball.com/locker-room/spanish-super-cup-saudi-arabia-player-welfare-human-rights-things-wrong-with-football/ |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=FootTheBall |language=en-US |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206201358/https://www.foottheball.com/locker-room/spanish-super-cup-saudi-arabia-player-welfare-human-rights-things-wrong-with-football/ |url-status=live }}
• 2022–2023 Supercopa de España and 2023–24 Supercopa de España were both held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.{{Cite web |title=Why is Spanish Supercopa in Saudi Arabia? Reasons first domestic trophy in Spain is played in Middle East |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/spanish-supercopa-saudi-arabia-reasons-trophy-spain-middle-east/f8oyydzjllygeemht6abzzsz |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=www.sportingnews.com |date=11 January 2023 |language=en |archive-date=1 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201151930/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/spanish-supercopa-saudi-arabia-reasons-trophy-spain-middle-east/f8oyydzjllygeemht6abzzsz |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-01-09 |title=Explained: Why Supercopa de Espana is often held outside of Spain {{!}} Goal.com English Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.goal.com/en-sa/news/explained-why-supercopa-de-espana-is-often-held-outside-of-spain/blt528061277bb51c30 |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=www.goal.com |language=en-SA}}
• The Euro 2020 held in 11 countries, including three with poor human rights record:
• Group B, Group E, and quarter-finals held in Saint Petersburg, Russia{{Cite web |title=Russia cleared to compete at Euro 2020 despite threat of four-year sports ban |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/13956/11870805/russia-cleared-to-compete-at-euro-2020-despite-threat-of-four-year-sports-ban |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=UEFA.com |date=2021-04-23 |title=Change of venues for some UEFA EURO 2020 matches announced {{!}} Inside UEFA |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0268-121bc78c82d5-1ba16401b4f0-1000--change-of-venues-for-some-uefa-euro-2020-matches-announced/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=UEFA |language=en}}
• Group F and round of 16 held in Budapest, Hungary{{cite web|last1=Lloyd|first1=Simon|title=Over The Rainbow: How Hungary sportswashed its way to the front of UEFA's queue|url=https://www.sportsjoe.ie/football/how-hungary-sportwashed-its-way-to-the-front-of-uefas-queue-2-231297|access-date=25 November 2021|website=Sports Joe|date=2 July 2021 |archive-date=25 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125160622/https://www.sportsjoe.ie/football/how-hungary-sportwashed-its-way-to-the-front-of-uefas-queue-2-231297|url-status=live}}
• Group A and quarter-finals held in Baku, Azerbaijan{{cite web|last1=Kunti|first1=Samindra|title=Azerbaijan's Sportswashing Culminates With Euro 2020 Quarterfinal|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/samindrakunti/2021/07/03/azerbaijans-sportswashing-culminates-with-euro-2020-quarterfinal/?sh=6f851a79c1b1|access-date=25 November 2021|website=Forbes|archive-date=25 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125160620/https://www.forbes.com/sites/samindrakunti/2021/07/03/azerbaijans-sportswashing-culminates-with-euro-2020-quarterfinal/?sh=6f851a79c1b1|url-status=live}}
• The 2021 Copa América held in Brazil.{{cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/copa-america/2021/06/11/60c335a6268e3ef3778b45e6.html|title=Green light for controversial Copa America to get underway|work=Marca|access-date=25 November 2021|date=11 June 2021|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707162923/https://www.marca.com/en/football/copa-america/2021/06/11/60c335a6268e3ef3778b45e6.html|url-status=live}}
• The 2021 Diego Maradona tribute match between FC Barcelona and Boca Juniors dubbed as "Maradona Cup" held in Saudi Arabia.{{cite news |last=Gowler |first=Michael |date=25 October 2021 |title=Barcelona's Diego Maradona tribute slammed after Napoli snub and Saudi Arabia decision |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/barcelona-maradona-napoli-saudi-arabia-25298066 |work=Daily Mirror |location=United Kingdom |access-date=4 January 2022 |archive-date=19 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219225046/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/barcelona-maradona-napoli-saudi-arabia-25298066 |url-status=live }}
• The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations held in Cameroon.{{Cite web |last=Baraka |first=Carey |date=2019-08-22 |title=CAREY BARAKA - Sports Washing and Politics in African Football {{!}} The Elephant |url=https://www.theelephant.info/culture/2019/08/22/sports-washing-and-politics-in-african-football/ |access-date=2023-02-01 |language=en-US |archive-date=1 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201151925/https://www.theelephant.info/culture/2019/08/22/sports-washing-and-politics-in-african-football/ |url-status=live }}
• The 2022 Trophée des Champions between Paris Saint-Germain and Nantes, held in Israel.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.fr/football/trophee-des-champions/2022-2023/trophee-des-champions-la-brigade-loire-fait-le-choix-de-boycotter-le-trophee-des-champions-en-israel_sto9055957/story.shtml|title=TROPHÉE DES CHAMPIONS - La Brigade Loire fait le choix de boycotter le Trophée des champions en Israël|date=23 July 2022|language=fr|trans-title=La Brigade Loire chooses to boycott Trophée des Champions in Israel|website=Eurosport|access-date=29 July 2022|archive-date=23 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723113507/https://www.eurosport.fr/football/trophee-des-champions/2022-2023/trophee-des-champions-la-brigade-loire-fait-le-choix-de-boycotter-le-trophee-des-champions-en-israel_sto9055957/story.shtml|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=samidoun |date=2022-07-31 |title=Toulouse mobilization denounces the Champions Trophy in Tel Aviv |url=https://samidoun.net/2022/07/toulouse-mobilization-denounces-the-champions-trophy-in-tel-aviv/ |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=Samidoun: Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network |language=en-US |archive-date=1 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201151925/https://samidoun.net/2022/07/toulouse-mobilization-denounces-the-champions-trophy-in-tel-aviv/ |url-status=live }}
• The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.{{cite web|last1=Delaney|first1=Miguel|title=Should football boycott the Qatar World Cup?|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world/qatar-world-cup-boycott-2022-fifa-b1821574.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world/qatar-world-cup-boycott-2022-fifa-b1821574.html |archive-date=24 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=8 April 2021|website=The Independent|date=24 March 2021}}
• The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup; Saudi Arabia tried to be the sponsor, but after a series of outrage, it pulled out.{{Cite web |last=Ingle |first=Sean |date=2023-03-16 |title=Fifa admits defeat over Saudi sponsorship of Women's World Cup |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/mar/16/fifa-defeat-saudi-sponsorship-womens-world-cup-plans-infantino |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}
• The 2023 AFC Asian Cup held in Qatar (originally to have been held in China){{Cite web |date=2022-10-17 |title=Qatar replaces China as AFC Asian Cup 2023 host |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/afc-asian-cup/story/4772889/qatar-win-bid-to-replace-china-as-afc-asian-cup-2023-hosts |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320182156/https://www.espn.com/soccer/afc-asian-cup/story/4772889/qatar-win-bid-to-replace-china-as-afc-asian-cup-2023-hosts |url-status=live }}
• The 2023 FIFA Club World Cup held in Saudi Arabia{{Cite web |date=2023-02-14 |title=FIFA's award of the World Cup to Saudi Arabia is blatant sports washing |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/02/saudi-arabia-fifas-award-of-the-world-cup-to-saudi-arabia-is-blatant-sports-washing/ |access-date=2023-02-18 |website=Amnesty International |language=en |archive-date=19 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319163345/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/02/saudi-arabia-fifas-award-of-the-world-cup-to-saudi-arabia-is-blatant-sports-washing/ |url-status=live }}
• The 2025 FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup to be held in the Philippines under the presidency of Bongbong Marcos, son of Ferdinand Marcos.{{cite news |last1=Terrado |first1=Reuben |date=15 May 2024 |title=Philippines to host first FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup in 2025 |url=https://www.spin.ph/football/philippines-to-host-first-fifa-futsal-women-s-world-cup-in-2025-a795-20240515 |access-date=15 May 2024 |work=Sports Interactive Network Philippines |language=en}}
• The 2027 AFC Asian Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia{{Cite web |last=Duerden |first=John |date=2023-02-01 |title=Saudi Arabia's hosting of 2027 AFC Asian Cup is an idea whose time has finally come |url=https://arab.news/6n2ud |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=Arab News |language=en}}
• The 2034 FIFA World Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia{{Cite web |last=Worden |first=Minky |date=2023-11-07 |title=Rights At Risk As Saudi Arabia 'Sole Bidder' To Host 2034 World Cup {{!}} Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/11/07/rights-risk-saudi-arabia-sole-bidder-host-2034-world-cup |access-date=2024-03-07 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Armour |first=Nancy |date=October 31, 2023 |title=2034 World Cup should never go to Saudi Arabia. But FIFA turns a blind eye to sports washing |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/nancy-armour/2023/10/31/fifa-2034-mens-world-cup-saudi-billions/71398316007/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=McGillivray |first=David |date=2023-11-08 |title=How Saudi Arabia's unchallenged 2034 World Cup bid could weaken Fifa's human rights demands |url=http://theconversation.com/how-saudi-arabias-unchallenged-2034-world-cup-bid-could-weaken-fifas-human-rights-demands-217007 |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=The Conversation |language=en-US}}

• The 2019 BLAST Pro Series Finals held in the Kingdom of Bahrain.{{cite web|last1=Rondina|first1=Steven|title=BLAST Global Finals part of problematic Middle East esports push – CS:GO – News|url=https://win.gg/news/3072/blast-global-finals-part-of-problematic-middle-east-esports-push|website=WIN.gg|date=2 December 2019 |language=en}}
• Danish esports organization RFRSH Entertainment and Riot Games both signing a deal to develop Saudi Arabia's NEOM project and boost esports in the region.{{cite web|date=30 July 2020|title=BLAST announces controversial sponsorship with NEOM|url=https://www.dailyesports.gg/blast-announces-controversial-sponsorship-with-neom/|website=Daily Esports|access-date=31 July 2020|archive-date=7 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807175048/https://www.dailyesports.gg/blast-announces-controversial-sponsorship-with-neom/|url-status=live}} Riot ended up scrapping the partnership after facing intense backlash from fans and their employees.{{cite web|last1=Chalk|first1=Andy|date=29 July 2020|title=Riot scraps controversial LEC partnership with Saudi Arabia following fan backlash|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/esports-casters-and-fans-angered-by-pro-league-partnerships-with-saudi-arabia/|website=PC Gamer|access-date=31 July 2020|archive-date=2 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202142521/https://www.pcgamer.com/esports-casters-and-fans-angered-by-pro-league-partnerships-with-saudi-arabia/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Carpenter|first1=Nicole|date=29 July 2020|title=League of Legends' Saudi Arabian partnership criticized by Riot community|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/7/29/21346808/league-of-legends-european-championship-neom-saudia-arabia-criticism|website=Polygon|language=en|access-date=31 July 2020|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731133043/https://www.polygon.com/2020/7/29/21346808/league-of-legends-european-championship-neom-saudia-arabia-criticism|url-status=live}}
• The 2022 and 2023 Blast Premier World Finals held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Harrison |date=2022-12-21 |title=Calls grow for Danish government to slash BLAST funding if CS:GO event doesn't cut Abu Dhabi ties |url=https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/calls-grow-for-danish-government-to-slash-blast-funding-if-csgo-event-doesnt-cut-abu-dhabi-ties |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124142911/https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/calls-grow-for-danish-government-to-slash-blast-funding-if-csgo-event-doesnt-cut-abu-dhabi-ties |url-status=live }}
• The Gamers8 2023 CS:GO tournament held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the Esports World Cup tournament series that replaced it in 2024.{{Cite web |last=Osseiran |first=Nazih |title=Esports World Cup reignites Saudi Arabia 'sportswashing' debate |url=https://www.context.news/big-tech/esports-world-cup-reignites-saudi-arabia-sportswashing-debate |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=www.context.news |language=en}}

• PGA Tour China held since 2014.{{cite news |last=Graham |first=Michael |date=7 March 2022 |title=Graham: The PGA Tour's sportswashing problem in China |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2022/03/07/graham-the-pga-tours-sportswashing-problem-in-china/ |work=Boston Herald |location= |access-date=10 March 2022 |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309201523/https://www.bostonherald.com/2022/03/07/graham-the-pga-tours-sportswashing-problem-in-china/ |url-status=live }}
• China Tour held in 2014–2019.
• Saudi International held since 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/opinions/saudi-arabia-asian-tour-pga-dp-world-tour-golf-sportswashing-greg-norman/ |title=Ed Warner {{!}} Saudi Arabia's new sportswashing exercise leaves PGA and DP World Tours powerless in tussle for golf's superstars |last=Warner |first=Ed |date=10 February 2022 |website=sportspromedia.com |publisher= |access-date=10 February 2022 |quote= |archive-date=10 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210134759/https://www.sportspromedia.com/opinions/saudi-arabia-asian-tour-pga-dp-world-tour-golf-sportswashing-greg-norman/ |url-status=live }}
• Aramco Team Series held since 2020.
• Aramco Saudi Ladies International held since 2020.
• LIV Golf Invitational Series funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, beginning in 2022.{{cite news |last= |first= |date= |title=Despite absence of big names, Saudi-backed golf league to begin in June |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/03/16/saudi-golf-league/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |location= |access-date=}}{{Cite web |last=Schad |first=Tom |title=LIV Golf shines spotlight on 'sportswashing' – the nascent term for an age-old strategy |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/2022/06/10/sportswashing-explained-saudis-liv-golf/10003676002/ |access-date=2023-02-18 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |archive-date=14 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014185242/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/2022/06/10/sportswashing-explained-saudis-liv-golf/10003676002/ |url-status=live }}

File:Hamilton and Putin.jpg, the winner of 2014 Russian Grand Prix]]

File:Ilham Aliyev watched the opening ceremony of the 2019 Formula-1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and final race 20.jpg awarding the 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix trophy to race winner Valtteri Bottas]]

• Spanish Grand Prix held from 1951 to 1975{{cite web |author=Mike Guy |date=June 2017 |title=A Reminder That F1 Is a Very Shady Business |url=https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/11727/a-reminder-that-f1-is-a-very-shady-business |access-date=25 March 2022 |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325155116/https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/11727/a-reminder-that-f1-is-a-very-shady-business |url-status=live }}
• Argentine Grand Prix held from 1953 to 1981{{cite web |url=http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/cir-013.html |title=Circuits: Buenos Aires (Autodromo Oscar Galvez) |publisher=grandprix.com |access-date=April 5, 2014 |archive-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006050147/https://www.grandprix.com/gpe/cir-013.html |url-status=live }}
• Portuguese Grand Prix held from 1958 to 1960{{cite journal |last1=Drumond |first1=Maurício |date=July 2013 |title=For the good of sport and the nation: relations between sport and politics in the Portuguese New State (1933-1945) |url=https://periodicos.uff.br/revista_estudos_politicos/article/view/40314/23208 |journal=Revista Estudos Políticos |volume=4 |issue=8 |pages=319–340 |doi= |access-date=25 December 2021 |archive-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125023125/https://periodicos.uff.br/revista_estudos_politicos/article/view/40314/23208 |url-status=live }}
• South African Grand Prix held from 1960 to 1985{{cite news|author=Martin, Gordon|title=The Apartheid Controversy Reaches Formula 1 Racing|work=San Francisco Chronicle|edition=FINAL |date=17 September 1985|page=63}}
• Mexican Grand Prix held since 1962{{Cite web|first=Joshua|last=Mclaughlin|url=https://www.formulanerds.com/features/sportswashing-its-meaning-and-impact-on-the-future-of-f1/|title=Sportswashing: its meaning and impact on the future of F1|date=October 2021|access-date=27 November 2021|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127161842/https://www.formulanerds.com/features/sportswashing-its-meaning-and-impact-on-the-future-of-f1/|url-status=live}}
• Brazilian Grand Prix held from 1972 to 1984{{cite web|url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/brazil/2020/06/see-the-timeline-of-the-military-dictatorship-from-1964-to-1985.shtml|title=See the Timeline of the Military Dictatorship, from 1964 to 1985|date=29 June 2020|access-date=25 March 2022|archive-date=25 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325154420/https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/brazil/2020/06/see-the-timeline-of-the-military-dictatorship-from-1964-to-1985.shtml|url-status=live}}
• Malaysian Grand Prix held from 1999 to 2017
• Bahrain Grand Prix held since 2004{{cite web|title=Bahrain's grim human rights violations are behind the glamour of the Grand Prix|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/03/bahrain-grim-human-rights-violations-behind-the-glamour-of-the-grand-prix/|website=www.amnesty.org|date=27 March 2019|language=en|access-date=27 February 2020|archive-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227051007/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/03/bahrain-grim-human-rights-violations-behind-the-glamour-of-the-grand-prix/|url-status=live}}
• Chinese Grand Prix held since 2004
• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix held since 2009{{Cite web|first=Pierre|last=Sagnier|url=https://www.fairplanet.org/story/sportswahing-the-gulf-countries%E2%80%99-strategy-to-mask-abysmal-human-rights-records/|title=Sportswashing: the gulf countries' strategy to mask abysmal human rights records|date=26 July 2021|access-date=27 November 2021|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127161842/https://www.fairplanet.org/story/sportswahing-the-gulf-countries%E2%80%99-strategy-to-mask-abysmal-human-rights-records/|url-status=live}}
• Russian Grand Prix held from 2014 to 2021
• 2016 European Grand Prix held in Baku, Azerbaijan
• Azerbaijan Grand Prix held since 2017{{cite web|title=Don't let Formula 1 sportswash Azerbaijan's human rights abuses|url=https://humanrightshouse.org/articles/dont-let-formula-1-sportswash-azerbaijans-human-rights-abuses/|website=humanrightshouse.org|date=17 June 2016|language=en|access-date=27 November 2021|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127153145/https://humanrightshouse.org/articles/dont-let-formula-1-sportswash-azerbaijans-human-rights-abuses/|url-status=live}}
• Turkish Grand Prix held in 2020 and 2021
• Qatar Grand Prix held since 2021
• Saudi Arabian Grand Prix held since 2021

• Beijing ePrix held in 2014–2015.
• Putrajaya ePrix held in 2014–2015.
• Moscow ePrix held in 2015.
• Diriyah ePrix held since 2018.{{cite news |date=19 December 2019 |title=AP Interview: Saudi prince says sports is a tool for change |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/ap-interview-saudi-prince-sports-tool-change-67825140 |work=ABC News |access-date=1 December 2021 |archive-date=1 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201054043/https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/ap-interview-saudi-prince-sports-tool-change-67825140 |url-status=live }}
• Sanya ePrix held in 2019.
• Jakarta ePrix held since 2022.{{cite web |url=https://asumsi.co/post/3868/mengapa-kita-ngotot-menggelar-formula-e-motogp-sportswashing |title=Mengapa Kita Ngotot Menggelar Formula E & MotoGP? Sportswashing |last=Ibrahim |first=Raka |date=23 November 2019 |access-date=27 November 2021 |language=id |trans-title=Why Do We Insist on Formula E & MotoGP? Sportswashing |archive-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127160015/https://asumsi.co/post/3868/mengapa-kita-ngotot-menggelar-formula-e-motogp-sportswashing |url-status=live }}

• Argentine motorcycle Grand Prix held in 1981–1982.
• South African motorcycle Grand Prix held in 1983–1985.{{cite web|url=http://www.jumpingjack.nl/GP-races_1986_heden.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150725153404/http://www.jumpingjack.nl/GP-races_1986_heden.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-07-25|title=Alle Grand-Prix uitslagen en bijzonderheden, van 1973 (het jaar dat Jack begon met racen) tot heden.|website=Archive.li|accessdate=19 July 2018}}
• Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix held since 1991.
• Indonesian motorcycle Grand Prix held in 1996–1997 and since 2022.{{cite news |last=Chandran |first=Rina |date= |title=Indonesia's tourism mega-project 'tramples' on human rights, U.N. says |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-indonesia-landrights-tourism-idUSKBN2BP0KL |work=Reuters |location= |access-date=4 December 2021 |archive-date=4 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204064141/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-indonesia-landrights-tourism-idUSKBN2BP0KL |url-status=live }}
• Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix held since 2004.
• Thailand motorcycle Grand Prix held since 2018.

• The Dakar Rally held in Saudi Arabia since 2020.{{cite web|date=5 January 2020|title=France raises human rights concerns as Dakar Rally begins in Saudi Arabia|url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/middle-east/20200105-france-human-rights-dakar-rally-saudi-arabia-sportswashing-women-khashoggi|website=RFI|language=en|access-date=31 July 2020|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809130750/https://www.rfi.fr/en/middle-east/20200105-france-human-rights-dakar-rally-saudi-arabia-sportswashing-women-khashoggi|url-status=live}}

• FIA WTCR Race of Bahrain held in 2022.{{cite web |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/touring-cars/wtcrs-jeddah-swansong-shows-saudis-powerful-motor-sport-pull/ |title=WTCR's Jeddah swansong shows Saudi's powerful motor sport pull |last=Smith |first=Damien |date=22 November 2022 |website=Motorsport Magazine |publisher= |access-date=18 July 2023 |quote=}}
• FIA WTCR Race of Saudi Arabia held in 2022.

File:Opdracht poster voor, affiche boycot Olympische Spelen 1, Bestanddeelnr 930-6392 (cropped).jpg]]

File:Opening of XXII Winter Olympic Games (2338-13).jpgs over Fisht Olympic Stadium following the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron at the 2014 Winter Olympics.]]

• The 1936 Winter Olympics held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Nazi Germany.
• The 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, Nazi Germany.
• The 1980 Summer Olympics held in Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union.{{cite web |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/the-1980-moscow-olympics-rank-as-the-cleanest-in-history-athletes-recall-how-the-u-s-s-r-cheated-the-system-/30741567.html |title=The 1980 Olympics Are The 'Cleanest' In History. Athletes Recall How Moscow Cheated The System. |last1=Aleksandrov |first1=Alexei |last2=Aleksandrov |first2=Grebeniuk |last3=Runets |first3=Volodymyr |publisher= |date=July 22, 2020 |website=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |access-date=December 26, 2021 |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224182116/https://www.rferl.org/a/the-1980-moscow-olympics-rank-as-the-cleanest-in-history-athletes-recall-how-the-u-s-s-r-cheated-the-system-/30741567.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/01/03/beijing-olympics-human-rights-world-cup-qatar-sportswashing/ |title=Opinion: Human rights abuses will taint the Olympics and the World Cup. It's time to end 'sportswashing' now. |last=Worden |first=Minky |publisher= |date=January 4, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=January 4, 2022 |archive-date=4 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104081058/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/01/03/beijing-olympics-human-rights-world-cup-qatar-sportswashing/ |url-status=live }}
• The 1988 Summer Olympics held in military-led Seoul, South Korea.{{cite journal|last1=Manheim|first1=Jarol|title=Rites of Passage: The 1988 Seoul Olympics as Public Diplomacy|journal=The Western Political Quarterly|volume=43|issue=2|publisher=Western Political Science Association|pages=279–295|jstor=448367|year=1990|doi=10.2307/448367}}{{Cite journal|last1=Kang|first1=Jaeho|last2=Traganou|first2=Jilly|year=2011|title=The Beijing National Stadium as Media-space|journal=Design and Culture|volume=3|issue=2|pages=145–163|doi=10.2752/175470811X13002771867761|s2cid=143762612}}
• The 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing, China.{{cite web|date=11 February 2021|title=Op-Ed: As 2022 Olympics host, China escalated human rights abuses. Will IOC look the other way?|url=https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2021-02-11/beijing-olympics-2022-human-rights-abuses|access-date=18 February 2021|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|archive-date=18 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218094039/https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2021-02-11/beijing-olympics-2022-human-rights-abuses|url-status=live}}
• The 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jan/02/sochi-2014-winter-olympics-political-tinderbox|title=The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics is a political tinderbox for Russia|date=2 January 2013|work=The Guardian|access-date=9 October 2021|archive-date=5 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205220818/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jan/02/sochi-2014-winter-olympics-political-tinderbox|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Explainer: Why human rights matter at the World Cup|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2018/06/why-human-rights-matter-at-the-russia-world-cup/|website=www.amnesty.org|date=14 June 2018|language=en|access-date=27 February 2020|archive-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227095049/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2018/06/why-human-rights-matter-at-the-russia-world-cup/|url-status=live}}
• The 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2016/06/deadly-side-rio-olympics-2016/ |title=Rio's preparations for this summer's Olympics risk unleashing a new wave of police violence against favela residents and protestors. |last= |first= |date=5 June 2016 |website=Amnesty International |publisher= |access-date= |quote= |archive-date=12 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512111617/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2016/06/deadly-side-rio-olympics-2016/ |url-status=live }}
• The 2022 Winter Olympics held in Beijing, China.{{cite web|last1=Field|first1=Russell|title=2022 Winter Olympics will help Beijing 'sportwash' its human rights record|url=https://theconversation.com/2022-winter-olympics-will-help-beijing-sportwash-its-human-rights-record-154911|access-date=7 March 2021|website=theconversation.com|date=7 March 2021 |publisher=The Conversation|archive-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307183158/https://theconversation.com/2022-winter-olympics-will-help-beijing-sportwash-its-human-rights-record-154911|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Amnesty warns over 'sportswashing' at Beijing Olympics |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220119-amnesty-warns-over-sportswashing-at-beijing-olympics |website=www.france24.com |date=19 January 2022 |publisher=France 24 |access-date=27 January 2022 |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127201405/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220119-amnesty-warns-over-sportswashing-at-beijing-olympics |url-status=live }}
• The inaugural Olympic Esports Games, planned to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2027.{{Cite news |last=Paul |first=Kari |date=2024-07-12 |title=Saudi Arabia to host first ‘Olympics Esports Games’ in 2025 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/12/saudi-arabia-olympics-esports |access-date=2025-03-20 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |date=11 February 2025 |title=Inaugural Olympic Esports Games to be held in 2027 in Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/olympics/inaugural-olympic-esports-games-be-held-2027-saudi-arabia-2025-02-11/ |website=Reuters}}

File:1981-springbok-tour-auckland-kingsland-station.jpg near Kingsland railway station in New Zealand during 1981 South African rugby tour.]]

Rugby Union tours involving South Africa during the Apartheid era:

• The 1949, 1960, 1970, 1976 New Zealand tours to South Africa
• The 1951–1952, 1960–1961, 1965, 1969–1970 South African tours to Britain and Ireland
• The 1952, 1961, 1968, 1974 South Africa tours to France
• The 1953, 1961, 1963, 1969 Australia tours to South Africa
• The 1955, 1962, 1968, 1974, 1980 British & Irish Lions tours to South Africa
• The 1956, 1965, 1971 South Africa tours to Australia
• The 1956, 1965, 1981 South Africa tours to New Zealand
• The 1958, 1964, 1967, 1971, 1975, 1980 France tours to South Africa
• The 1960 Scotland tour to South Africa
• The 1964 Wales tour to South Africa
• The 1965, 1971 Argentina tours to South Africa both with tests against the South African Gazelles
• The 1972, 1984 England tours to South Africa
• The 1973 Italy tour to South Africa
• The 1980 South African tour to South America
• The 1980, 1982 and 1984 South American Jaguars tours to South Africa
• The 1981 Ireland tour to South Africa
• The unofficial 1986 New Zealand tour to South Africa

• South Africa Open during the apartheid period (1948–1994).
• 1972 Federation Cup held in apartheid South Africa.
• 1974 Davis Cup held in apartheid South Africa.
• Dubai Tennis Championships held since 1993.{{cite web |url=https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/collision-in-korea/https://english.alaraby.co.uk/news/sports-middle-east-fastest-growing-world |title=Sports in Middle East 'fastest growing in the world', survey finds |last= |first= |date=7 February 2021 |website=The New Arab |publisher= |access-date=1 December 2021 |quote= }}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• ATP Qatar Open held since 1993.
• WTA Qatar Open held since 2001.
• China Open held since 2004.{{cite news |date=19 November 2021 |title=WTA says it is prepared to pull China tournaments over Peng Shuai |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/19/wta-says-prepared-to-pull-china-tournaments-over-peng-shuai |work=Al-Jazeera |access-date=1 December 2021 |archive-date=19 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119051802/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/19/wta-says-prepared-to-pull-china-tournaments-over-peng-shuai |url-status=live }}
• Wuhan Open held since 2014.
• Diriyah Tennis Cup held since 2019.
• Next Generation ATP Finals, being held in Saudi Arabia between 2023 and 2027.{{cite news |date=24 August 2023 |title=Saudi Arabia to host Next Gen ATP Finals from 2023 to 2027 |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/saudi-arabia-host-next-gen-atp-finals-2023-2027-2023-08-24/ |work=Reuters |access-date=29 November 2023 }}
• 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi-Arabia
• 6 Kings Slam, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi-Arabia

• Collision in Korea held in Pyongyang, North Korea in 1995.{{cite web |url=https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/collision-in-korea/ |title=Collision In Korea – Wrestling's Bizarre Political Game in a Land of War |last=Ojst |first=Javier |date=20 May 2021 |website=prowrestlingstories.com |publisher= |access-date=1 December 2021 |quote= |archive-date=1 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201043220/https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/collision-in-korea/ |url-status=live }} A second event, in a smaller building, was promoted by Antonio Inoki (who promoted the first event as well) over two days in 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=116361|title=International Pro Wrestling Festival in Pyongyang - Tag 1|website=cagematch.net|access-date=28 July 2024}}
• WWE in Saudi Arabia from 2014; in particular, Saudi Arabia hosting two Premium Live Events each year (one under the name of WWE Crown Jewel) since 2018.{{cite news |last=Ahmed |first=Tufayel |date=31 October 2019 |title=WWE, Saudi Arabia 'Sportswashing' Country's 'Dire Human Rights Record' With First-ever Women's Match |url=https://www.newsweek.com/wwe-crown-jewel-saudi-arabia-sportswashing-human-rights-womens-match-1468938 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201043214/https://www.newsweek.com/wwe-crown-jewel-saudi-arabia-sportswashing-human-rights-womens-match-1468938 |archive-date=1 December 2021 |access-date=1 December 2021 |work=Newsweek}}

File:Military World Games (2019-10-18) 01.jpg of China Xi Jinping attends the opening ceremony of 2019 Military World Games in Wuhan, China]]

• Some of UFC matches are held in China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.{{cite web |url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/7/15/21325622/abu-dhabi-sportswashing-ufc-fight-island-uae-tourism-politics-mma-news |title=Did Abu Dhabi plant PR reps at UFC 251 press conference to promote UAE tourism? |last=Zidan |first=Karim |date=15 July 2020 |website=Bloody Elbow |publisher= |access-date=29 March 2022 |quote= |archive-date=9 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509041912/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/7/15/21325622/abu-dhabi-sportswashing-ufc-fight-island-uae-tourism-politics-mma-news |url-status=live }}
• Proposed NFL games in China, including the China Bowl.{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Michael David |title=Some teams aren't on board with NFL's plans to play in China |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/04/07/some-teams-arent-on-board-with-nfls-plans-to-play-in-china/ |website=ProFootballTalk |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=3 February 2022 |date=7 April 2016 |archive-date=3 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203060534/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/04/07/some-teams-arent-on-board-with-nfls-plans-to-play-in-china/ |url-status=live }}
• The 1986 Commonwealth Games held in Scotland.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/22/commonwealth-games-1986-robert-maxwell|title=The forgotten story of … Robert Maxwell's 1986 Commonwealth Games | Sport | theguardian.com|work=The Guardian|date=22 July 2014 |access-date=28 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407091522/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/22/commonwealth-games-1986-robert-maxwell|archive-date=7 April 2017|url-status=live|last1=Oliver |first1=Brian }}
• The 1991 Pan American Games held in Cuba.
• The 2006 Asian Games held in Qatar.
• The 2014 Men's Ice Hockey World Championships held in Belarus.{{Cite web|url=https://cultureinsports.com/the-dirty-art-of-sportswashing/|title=The Dirty Art of Sportswashing|date=16 April 2021|work=Culture in Sport|access-date=4 January 2022|archive-date=4 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104153720/https://cultureinsports.com/the-dirty-art-of-sportswashing/|url-status=live}}
• The 2015 European Games held in Azerbaijan.
• The 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games held in Turkmenistan.
• The Women's World Chess Championship 2017 held in Iran.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chess.com/news/view/women-world-championship-in-iran-and-other-fide-decisions-2773|title=2017 Women's World Championship Awarded To Iran; Other FIDE Decisions - Chess.com|last=Doggers|first=Peter|date=2016-09-28|newspaper=Chess.com|access-date=2017-02-11|language=en-US|archive-date=4 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104152405/https://www.chess.com/news/view/women-world-championship-in-iran-and-other-fide-decisions-2773|url-status=live}}
• The 2019 Winter Universiade held in Russia.
• The 2019 European Games held in Belarus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fairobserver.com/region/europe/european-games-2019-minsk-belarus-human-rights-sport-europe-news-12221/|title=Belarus Understands the Diplomatic Power of Sport|date=11 June 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=27 November 2021|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127114133/https://www.fairobserver.com/region/europe/european-games-2019-minsk-belarus-human-rights-sport-europe-news-12221/|url-status=live}}
• The 2019 Military World Games held in China.{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/china/2020/02/08/chinas-rulers-see-the-coronavirus-as-a-chance-to-tighten-their-grip |title=China's rulers see the coronavirus as a chance to tighten their grip |date=8 February 2020 |newspaper=The Economist |access-date=9 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209140212/https://www.economist.com/china/2020/02/08/chinas-rulers-see-the-coronavirus-as-a-chance-to-tighten-their-grip |archive-date=9 February 2020 |url-status=live}}
• The 2019 Southeast Asian Games held in the Philippines.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bulatlat.com/2019/12/08/sea-games-2019-displaces-aeta/|title=SEA Games 2019 displaces Aeta communities|date=8 December 2019|access-date=27 November 2021|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127163429/https://www.bulatlat.com/2019/12/08/sea-games-2019-displaces-aeta/|url-status=live}}
• The 2021 Summer World University Games held in China after a 2-year delay from its original dates.
• The World Chess Championship 2021 held in the United Arab Emirates.{{Cite press release |last=PhosAgro |title=World Chess Championship 2021 starts in Dubai |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/ae/news-releases/world-chess-championship-2021-starts-in-dubai-876277387.html |access-date=2022-11-26 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}
• The 2022 Gay Games held in Hong Kong after a year delay from its original dates.{{cite news |last1=Wang |first1=Amber |last2=Taylor |first2=Jerome |title=Taiwan won't attend Hong Kong's Gay Games fearing security law |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2021/08/06/taiwan-wont-attend-hong-kongs-gay-games-fearing-security-law/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=6 August 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Garrison |first1=Mark |title=CONTROVERSY SURROUNDS ASIA'S FIRST GAY GAMES IN HONG KONG |url=https://www.starobserver.com.au/news/controversy-surrounds-asias-first-gay-games-in-hong-kong/204977 |access-date=28 September 2021 |work=Star Observer |date=8 August 2021 |archive-date=3 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903162844/https://www.starobserver.com.au/news/controversy-surrounds-asias-first-gay-games-in-hong-kong/204977 |url-status=live }}
• The 2022 World Aquatics Championships held in Budapest.{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/hungary/report-hungary/|title=Hungary|website=Amnesty|language=English|access-date=14 November 2022|archive-date=15 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115005242/https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/hungary/report-hungary/|url-status=live}}
• The 2022 Asian Games held in China after a year delay from its original dates.
• The 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games held in El Salvador.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/nayib-bukele-el-salvador-miss-universe-democracy-a9fef908d32f108b019a6e41788d1862|title=El Salvador's Miss Universe Pageant Drawing Attention at Crucial Moment for President|language=en|date=18 November 2023|access-date=11 April 2024|work=Associated Press|first1=Megan|last1=Janetsky|location=Mexico City, Mexico}}
• The 2024 World Masters of Snooker tournament to be held in Saudi Arabia.{{cite news |last1=Baker |first1=Luke |title=A golden ball and a 167 break: Saudi Arabia's mad snooker gimmick is a step too far |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/snooker/saudi-arabia-snooker-golden-ball-167-b2481531.html |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=The Independent |date=19 January 2024}}
• The 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship to be held in the Philippines under the presidency of Bongbong Marcos, son of Ferdinand Marcos.{{Cite web |title=Philippines locks in hosting rights for Men's World Championship 2025 |url=https://en.volleyballworld.com/news/philippines-locks-in-hosting-rights-for-men-s-world-championship-2025 |website=Volleyball World |date=20 March 2024 |access-date=20 March 2024 |archive-date=20 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320124618/https://en.volleyballworld.com/news/philippines-locks-in-hosting-rights-for-men-s-world-championship-2025 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Beltran |first=Nelson |title=Philippines to host men's world volleyball championship in 2025 |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2024/03/20/2342036/philippines-host-mens-world-volleyball-championshipin-2025 |website=The Philippine Star |access-date=20 March 2024 |date=20 March 2024 |archive-date=20 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320155418/https://www.philstar.com/sports/2024/03/20/2342036/philippines-host-mens-world-volleyball-championshipin-2025 |url-status=live}}
• The 2030 Asian Games scheduled to be held in Qatar.{{cite web |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1102057/asian-games-double-award |title=Doha to host 2030 Asian Games with Riyadh awarded 2034 edition |last=Palmer |first=Dan |publisher= |date=December 16, 2020 |website=insidethegames.biz |access-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-date=16 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216121505/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1102057/asian-games-double-award |url-status=live }}
• The 2034 Asian Games scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia.

• Russian state-owned oil company Gazprom's sponsorship of the German Bundesliga football team Schalke 04, events of the UEFA Champions League and kits. This contract was cancelled due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.{{Cite web|title=The Sportswashing of Corruption|url=https://www.fourthfloor.uk/football/the-sportswashing-of-corruption|access-date=22 April 2021|website=Fourth Floor|language=en-US|archive-date=18 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118222221/https://www.fourthfloor.uk/football/the-sportswashing-of-corruption|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Black|first=Liam|date=16 July 2020|title=How Sportswashing Is Taking Over Football|url=https://www.sportingferret.com/2020/07/16/how-sportswashing-is-taking-over-football/|access-date=22 April 2021|website=Sporting Ferret|language=en-GB|archive-date=18 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118230738/https://www.sportingferret.com/2020/07/16/how-sportswashing-is-taking-over-football/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=28 February 2022 |title=Partnership between S04 and GAZPROM ends prematurely |url=https://schalke04.de/en/s04/partnership-s04-gazprom-ends-prematurely/ |website=FC Schalke 04 |access-date=7 March 2023 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210063102/https://schalke04.de/en/s04/partnership-s04-gazprom-ends-prematurely/ |url-status=live }}
• Russian holding company USM Holdings Limited's sponsorship of Everton. The company is owned by Alisher Usmanov, a pro-Kremlin businessman.{{cite news |last1=Meadows |first1=Mark |last2=Ford |first2=Matt |date=2 March 2022 |title=Roman Abramovich puts Chelsea up for sale as Russian money trail in sport draws attention |url=https://www.dw.com/en/roman-abramovich-puts-chelsea-up-for-sale-as-russian-money-trail-in-sport-draws-attention/a-60961988 |work=DW |location= |access-date=25 May 2022 |archive-date=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330065405/https://www.dw.com/en/roman-abramovich-puts-chelsea-up-for-sale-as-russian-money-trail-in-sport-draws-attention/a-60961988 |url-status=live }}

File:Luis Suarez FCB 2014.jpg wearing FC Barcelona jersey bearing Qatar Airways logo as sponsor]]

• Russian flag carrier Aeroflot's sponsorship of Manchester United. The sponsorship was ended following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.{{Cite web|date=25 February 2022|title=Manchester United official club statement on Aeroflot|url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-official-club-statement-on-aeroflot|access-date=25 February 2022|website=Manchester United Official Website|archive-date=16 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116094023/https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-official-club-statement-on-aeroflot|url-status=live}}
• Qatar Airways' sponsorships of football teams, including FC Barcelona, A.S. Roma, Boca Juniors, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich.{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/.amp/soccer/2021/11/09/bayern-munich-fans-qatar-sponsorship|title=Bayern Munich Fans Ramp Up Criticism of Club's Ties to Qatar|publisher=Sports Illustrated|date=9 November 2021|access-date=18 November 2021|archive-date=30 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330033457/https://www.si.com/.amp/soccer/2021/11/09/bayern-munich-fans-qatar-sponsorship|url-status=live}}
• Qatar's Hamad International Airport's sponsorship of Bayern Munich from 2018 to 2023.{{Cite news|first1=Matt|last1=Ford|first2=Kyle|last2=McKinnon|url=https://www.dw.com/en/messi-psg-qatar-ffp-sportswashing-and-geopolitics-quo-vadis-football/a-58839479|title=Messi, PSG, Qatar, FFP, sportswashing and geopolitics: quo vadis, football?|publisher=Deutsche Welle|date=12 August 2021|access-date=18 November 2021|archive-date=14 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114064908/https://www.dw.com/en/messi-psg-qatar-ffp-sportswashing-and-geopolitics-quo-vadis-football/a-58839479|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|first=Thomas|last=Klein|url=https://m.dw.com/en/bayern-munich-cannot-remain-silent/a-42008482|title='Bayern Munich cannot remain silent'|publisher=Deutsche Welle|date=3 January 2018|access-date=18 November 2021|archive-date=2 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202142531/https://m.dw.com/en/bayern-munich-cannot-remain-silent/a-42008482|url-status=live}}{{Cite web | url=https://fcbayern.com/en/news/2023/06/joint-statement-fc-bayern-munich-and-qatar-airways | title=Joint statement FC Bayern Munich and Qatar Airways | website=fcbayern.com | date=2023-06-28}}
• Bahrain's flag carrier Gulf Air's sponsorships of Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers.{{Cite web |author=Miguel Delaney |date=10 June 2020 |title=Sportswashing is not new – but has never been more insidious |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/sportswashing-newcastle-takeover-latest-man-city-ffp-a9557241.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/sportswashing-newcastle-takeover-latest-man-city-ffp-a9557241.html |archive-date=24 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |website=The Independent}}
• The Azerbaijan tourism authority's sponsorship of Atlético Madrid.{{cite news |last=Gibson |first=Owen |date=1 May 2014 |title=Azerbaijan's sponsorship of Atlético Madrid proves spectacular success |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/01/azerbaijan-sponsorship-atletico-madrid-spectacular-success |work=The Guardian |location= |access-date=15 March 2022 |archive-date=1 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140501155057/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/01/azerbaijan-sponsorship-atletico-madrid-spectacular-success |url-status=live }}
• Hong Kong-based insurance company AIA Group sponsorship of English football club Tottenham Hotspur. AIA Group endorsed the Hong Kong national security law in 2020, which was condemned by several British politicians who demanded the club to drop the sponsorship.{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-aia-sponsor-china-human-rights-b1036398.html |title=Tottenham urged to ditch Chinese main sponsor AIA and 'show support for human rights and freedom' |last=Kilpatrick |first=Dan |date=1 November 2022 |website=standard.co.uk |publisher= |access-date=2 November 2022 |quote= |archive-date=1 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101064821/https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-aia-sponsor-china-human-rights-b1036398.html |url-status=live }}
• The Rwanda tourism authority's sponsorship of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.{{cite web |url=https://hrf.org/igniting-the-truth-against-authoritarian-sportswashing/ |title=Igniting the Truth Against Authoritarian Sportswashing |last= |first= |date=17 December 2021 |website=Human Rights Foundation |publisher= |access-date=4 January 2022 |quote= |archive-date=25 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225232755/https://hrf.org/igniting-the-truth-against-authoritarian-sportswashing/ |url-status=live }}
• The Saudi Tourism Authority's sponsorship of the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup under the Visit Saudi branding.

• Brunei's flag carrier Royal Brunei Airlines' sponsorship deal with AFL Europe in 2014. The sponsorship deal ended the same year after protests from rights groups.{{Cite news|first=Paul|last=Farrell|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/sep/10/afl-reassessing-sponsorship-with-royal-brunei-after-gay-protests|title='AFL 'reassessing' sponsorship with Royal Brunei after gay protests'|work=The Guardian|date=10 September 2014|access-date=8 January 2022|archive-date=2 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202142533/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/sep/10/afl-reassessing-sponsorship-with-royal-brunei-after-gay-protests|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=18 September 2014|title=AFL Europe to terminate controversial deal with Royal Brunei Airlines|url=https://sponsorship.sportbusiness.com/news/afl-europe-to-terminate-controversial-deal-with-royal-brunei-airlines/|access-date=8 January 2021|website=SportBusiness|language=en-GB|archive-date=18 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118222230/https://sponsorship.sportbusiness.com/news/afl-europe-to-terminate-controversial-deal-with-royal-brunei-airlines/|url-status=live}}

• Shell’s major partnership with British Cycling in 2022.{{cite news |last1=Ingle |first1=Sean |title=Absurd': British Cycling faces backlash after announcing partnership with Shell |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/oct/10/absurd-british-cycling-faces-backlash-after-announcing-partnership-with-shell |access-date=10 October 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=10 October 2022 |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309002958/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/oct/10/absurd-british-cycling-faces-backlash-after-announcing-partnership-with-shell |url-status=live }}

• The Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, Public Investment Fund sponsored the LIV Golf in 2021. Human rights organizations criticized Saudi Arabia for sportwashing its image through the tournament. Human Rights Watch also wrote a letter to LIV Golf urging the league to adopt a strategy that would minimize the risk of reputation laundering by the Saudi Arabian government.{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/02/17/saudi-owned-liv-golf-sportswashes-rights-abuses|title=Saudi-owned LIV Golf "Sportswashes" Rights Abuses|accessdate=17 February 2023|website=Amnesty International|date=17 February 2023 |archive-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220053151/https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/02/17/saudi-owned-liv-golf-sportswashes-rights-abuses|url-status=live}}

• Venezuelan state-owned oil company PDVSA's sponsorship of Formula One driver Pastor Maldonado, who raced for Williams Grand Prix Engineering in 2011–2013 and Lotus F1 in 2014–2015. The PDVSA logo was included on both teams' car decals during those periods.{{Cite web |author=Kate Walker |date=20 December 2015 |title=Analysis: The real cost of PDVSA sponsoring Pastor Maldonado |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/analysis-the-real-cost-of-pdvsa-sponsoring-pastor-maldonado/664196/?nrt=54 |website=motorsport.com |access-date=30 November 2021 |archive-date=30 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130120905/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/analysis-the-real-cost-of-pdvsa-sponsoring-pastor-maldonado/664196/?nrt=54 |url-status=live }}
• Citgo, oil company owned by Venezuelan PDVSA sponsorship of numerous NASCAR teams such as Wood Brothers Racing and Roush Racing. Citgo also sponsored individual drivers such as Milka Duno who raced in 24 Hours of Daytona and E. J. Viso who raced in IndyCar Series{{cite news|url=https://stadiumsupertrucks.com/gordon-wins-traxxas-race-at-long-beach/|title=Gordon Wins TRAXXAS Race At Long Beach|work=Stadium Super Trucks|date=April 14, 2014|access-date=November 30, 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/motorsports/2013/03/12/venezuelan-driver-believes-sponsor-money-will-stay-indycar/15835480007/|title=Venezuelan driver believes sponsor money will stay in IndyCar|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=March 11, 2013|access-date=July 18, 2023}}
• Chinese state-owned broadcaster CCTV's sponsorship of Jordan Grand Prix Formula One team in 2003.{{cite web |url=https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/jordan-and-china-form-tv-alliance/1025750/ |title=Jordan and China form TV alliance |last= |first= |date=3 March 2003 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher= |access-date= |quote= |archive-date=18 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118222229/https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/jordan-and-china-form-tv-alliance/1025750/ |url-status=live }}
• Saudi Arabia State-owned oil company Aramco's sponsorship of the Aston Martin F1 Team, as well as Formula One races.{{Cite web |author=David Emmet |date=29 April 2021 |title=The Ramifications of Saudi Arabia Backing VR46's Move into MotoGP |url=https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/motogp/vr46-motogp-saudi-arabia/ |website=Asphalt and Rubber |access-date=27 November 2021 |archive-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127153818/https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/motogp/vr46-motogp-saudi-arabia/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.aramco.com/en/news-media/news/2020/aramco-announces-partnership-with-formula-1 |title=Aramco announces sponsorship of Formula 1. |date=10 March 2020 |access-date=30 January 2022 |archive-date=30 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130202607/https://www.aramco.com/en/news-media/news/2020/aramco-announces-partnership-with-formula-1 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |author=David Emmet |date=28 April 2021 |title=VR46 Team Announces Saudi Backing For MotoGP Project - Sportwashing Or Business As Usual? |url=https://motomatters.com/news/2021/04/28/vr46_team_announces_saudi_backing_for.html |website=Asphalt and Rubber |access-date=25 December 2021 |archive-date=25 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225152734/https://motomatters.com/news/2021/04/28/vr46_team_announces_saudi_backing_for.html |url-status=live }}
• Saudi Arabian flag carrier Saudia's sponsorship of Formula One teams Williams Grand Prix Engineering from 1977 to 1984 and Aston Martin in 2023.{{Cite web |last=Brittle |first=Cian |date=2023-03-14 |title=Aston Martin name Saudia as global airline sponsor |url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/aston-martin-f1-saudia-airline-sponsor/ |access-date= |website=SportsPro |language=en-GB |archive-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320113702/https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/aston-martin-f1-saudia-airline-sponsor/ |url-status=live }}
• The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund-backed Neom sponsorship of the Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team and McLaren's Formula E and Extreme E teams.{{Cite web |date=2020-03-11 |title=NEOM partners with Mercedes EQ Formula E team |url=https://arab.news/8kbtm |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=Arab News |language=en}}{{cite web |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/06/27/saudi-arabias-pif-backed-neom-partners-mclaren-in-fe-xe/ |title=Saudi Arabia's PIF-backed Neom partners McLaren in FE, XE |date=27 June 2022 |website=Motorsport Week |publisher= |access-date=27 June 2022 |quote= |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627110620/https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/06/27/saudi-arabias-pif-backed-neom-partners-mclaren-in-fe-xe/ |url-status=live }}
• The Formula One team Haas F1 Team was sponsored by Uralkali, who also sponsors Haas' Russian driver Nikita Mazepin. Haas had severed ties with Uralkali and Mazepin due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.{{cite news |title=Haas rejects Uralkali request to repay F1 sponsorship money |last=Noble |first=Johnathan |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-rejects-uralkali-request-to-repay-sponsorship-money/9889906/ |date=14 April 2022 |website=motorsport.com |access-date=3 March 2022 |archive-date=14 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414082457/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-rejects-uralkali-request-to-repay-sponsorship-money/9889906/ |url-status=live }}

Domestic teams:

• Italian media proprietor Silvio Berlusconi, through his Fininvest holding, owned Serie A club A.C. Milan in 1986 and had 98% of the club's share until 2017. Berlusconi gained popularity in the country using his team's success, strongly supported by his own mass media including Mediaset, to improve public opinion,{{Cite news|first=Lyes|last=Bouzidi|url=https://sportsgazette.co.uk/how-far-is-too-far/|title=Newcastle United Takeover: How far is too far?|publisher=Sports Gazette|date=15 October 2021|access-date=16 December 2021|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216070602/https://sportsgazette.co.uk/how-far-is-too-far/|url-status=live}} which was useful for his political purposes.{{Cite web|first=John|last=Brewin|url=https://www.stadiumtalk.com/s/soccer-geopolitics-soft-power-755d1d317fc442d3|title=How soccer become a geopolitical tool of influence|date=10 January 2019|access-date=18 November 2021|archive-date=18 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118031909/https://www.stadiumtalk.com/s/soccer-geopolitics-soft-power-755d1d317fc442d3|url-status=live}} Berlusconi founded Forza Italia, a centre-right party, and in 1994 became Prime Minister of Italy. During more than two decades of government divided into four periods, he was involved in abuse of office, bribery, corruption of public personnel, and false accounting cases, as well as sex scandals, among other controversies surrounding Berlusconi. He proposed and approved many ad personam laws (a type of clientelism) in favour of his own business, including the Milanese club as the Lentini affair in 1995, the Decreto Salva Calcio in 2003,{{Cite news|language=it|first=Ezio|last=Mauro|url=https://www.repubblica.it/2005/i/sezioni/politica/leggeletto/legpers/legpers.html|title=L'ultima legge ad personam|publisher=la Repubblica|date=14 September 2005|access-date=18 November 2021|archive-date=18 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118031908/https://www.repubblica.it/2005/i/sezioni/politica/leggeletto/legpers/legpers.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|language=it|url=https://www.repubblica.it/2009/11/sezioni/politica/giustizia-18/scheda-leggi/scheda-leggi.html|title=Ecco le leggi che hanno aiutato Berlusconi|publisher=la Repubblica|date=23 November 2009|access-date=18 December 2021|archive-date=18 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218153555/https://www.repubblica.it/2009/11/sezioni/politica/giustizia-18/scheda-leggi/scheda-leggi.html|url-status=live}} which allowed Milan to be relieved its debt of € 242 million,{{Cite web|language=it|url=http://www.libertaegiustizia.it/2011/11/09/lelenco-delle-leggi-ad-personam/|title=L'elenco delle leggi ad personam|date=9 November 2011|access-date=18 December 2021|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217225424/http://www.libertaegiustizia.it/2011/11/09/lelenco-delle-leggi-ad-personam/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|language=it|first=Fulvio|last=Bianchi|url=https://www.repubblica.it/2003/k/sezioni/sport/calcio/montiboccia/montiboccia/montiboccia.html|title=UE, bocciato il decreto salva-calcio. Molte società a rischio fallimento|publisher=la Repubblica|date=1 November 2003|access-date=18 December 2021|archive-date=11 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511051714/https://www.repubblica.it/2003/k/sezioni/sport/calcio/montiboccia/montiboccia/montiboccia.html|url-status=live}} and the decriminalisation of false accounting during the second Berlusconi government, a charge for which his club and local rival FC Internazionale Milano were tried and acquitted five years later due that measure;{{Cite news|language=it|url=http://quotidianonet.ilsole24ore.com/sport/2008/01/31/62244-prosciolti_galliani_milan_inter.shtml|title=Prosciolti Galliani, Milan e Inter|publisher=Il Sole 24 Ore|date=31 January 2008|accessdate=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411033354/http://qn.quotidiano.net//sport/2008/01/31/62244-prosciolti_galliani_milan_inter.shtml|archive-date=11 April 2013|quote=it: Assolto perché il fatto non costituisce reato.|trans-quote=Acquitted because the act does not constitute a crime.}} obtaining political support from the Milan fanbase, one of the largest in the country.{{Cite news|language=Italian|first=Sonia|last=Alfano|url=https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2011/05/18/il-milan-chiede-di-votare-berlusconi/112120/|title=I Milan Club chiedono di votare Berlusconi|publisher=Il Fatto Quotidiano|date=18 May 2011|access-date=16 December 2021|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216070608/https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2011/05/18/il-milan-chiede-di-votare-berlusconi/112120/amp/|url-status=live}} In 2018, after he sold Milan to Chinese businessman Li Yonghong, Berlusconi, through Fininvest,{{Clarify|date=December 2021}} owned AC Monza, a club that then competed in the national Serie C, with 100% of the club's shares.{{Clarify|date=February 2022}}

Foreign ownership:

• Russian politician and businessman Roman Abramovich's ownership of Chelsea F.C. (2003–2022), which some have reported was done at the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin.{{cite web |url=https://gameofthepeople.com/2019/08/17/does-football-really-have-a-moral-code/ |title=Does football really have a moral code? |last=Jensen |first=Neil Fredrik |publisher= |date=August 17, 2019 |website=Game of The People |access-date=January 4, 2022 |archive-date=4 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104051040/https://gameofthepeople.com/2019/08/17/does-football-really-have-a-moral-code/ |url-status=live }}
• Russian pro-Kremlin businessman Alisher Usmanov formally owned partial shares of Arsenal F.C.{{Cite news |last=Conn |first=David |author-link=David Conn |date=7 August 2018 |title=Stan Kroenke's £550m offer to buy outright ownership of Arsenal is accepted |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/aug/07/arsenal-stan-kroenke-offer-buy-club-outright |access-date=12 January 2021 |archive-date=25 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025051455/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/aug/07/arsenal-stan-kroenke-offer-buy-club-outright |url-status=live }} Umanov never had control of the club's day-to-day operation.{{cn|date=May 2024}}
• Abu Dhabi majority ownership of City Football Group. In 2015, the Abu Dhabi United Group announced consortium with Chinese state-owned CITIC Group for City Football Group, an entity which in turn owns{{Cite web|date=30 November 2018|title=Want to know how successful sportswashing is? Just look at the Manchester City fans who cheerlead for Abu Dhabi|url=https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-city-abu-dhabi-uae-sports-washing-229247|access-date=27 November 2021|website=inews.co.uk|language=en-UK|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127110552/https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-city-abu-dhabi-uae-sports-washing-229247|url-status=live}}
• Manchester City F.C. (since 2008)
• Melbourne City FC
• Montevideo City Torque
• New York City FC,
• Yokohama F. Marinos (partially),
• Girona FC,
• Shenzhen Peng City F.C. (partially).
• Mumbai City FC (partially).
• Saudi prince Abdullah bin Musaid Al Saud ownership of Sheffield United.{{cite web |url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/newcastle-united-saudi-takeover-bid-18148949 |title=Why Sheffield United are being drawn into Saudi backlash as a result of Newcastle takeover bid |last=Hemmingham |first=Nathan |date=25 April 2020 |website=YorkshireLive |publisher= |access-date=11 March 2021 |quote= |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624041219/https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/newcastle-united-saudi-takeover-bid-18148949 |url-status=live }}

File:Newcastle United fans gather celebrating new ownership.jpg fans celebrating the completed takeover of the team outside St James' Park on 7 October 2021]]

• The purchase of Newcastle United F.C., 80% financing provided by Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund; this was "a blatant example of Saudi sportswashing", according to Kate Allen of Amnesty International UK.{{Cite web|date=15 April 2021|title=Saudi crown prince asked Boris Johnson to intervene in Newcastle United bid|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/15/saudis-asked-boris-johnson-to-intervene-in-newcastle-united-bid|access-date=8 October 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=7 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007202251/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/15/saudis-asked-boris-johnson-to-intervene-in-newcastle-united-bid|url-status=live}}
• Kingdom of Bahrain 20% stake purchase of French football club Paris FC. The purchase was condemned by French-based human rights NGOs.{{cite web|url=https://www.adhrb.org/2021/02/bahrain-sport-washing-campaign/|title=Several Paris-based NGOs call upon the Mairie de Paris to cease all form of support for Bahrain "sport-washing" campaign|access-date=2 February 2021|website=Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain|date=2 February 2021|archive-date=29 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429161535/https://www.adhrb.org/2021/02/bahrain-sport-washing-campaign/|url-status=live}}
• Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, ruler of Qatar, purchasing French football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2011.{{Cite web|date=7 March 2012|title=Le Qatar sans limite|url=https://www.leparisien.fr/sports/football/psg/le-qatar-sans-limite-07-03-2012-1893594.php|access-date=24 June 2021|website=leparisien.fr|language=fr-FR|archive-date=29 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329002434/http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/le-qatar-sans-limite-07-03-2012-1893594.php|url-status=live}}
• Controversial Indonesian conglomerate Bakrie Group ownership of Australian football club Brisbane Roar FC. In 2019, formed team administrator Joko Driyono was arrested by the Indonesian national police for destroying the evidence of match-fixing scandal.{{cite news |last=Puspaningrum |first=Bernadette Aderi |date=27 September 2021 |title=Kepemilikan Asing Brisbane Roar Bermasalah, Nama Joko Driyono dan Bakrie Dicatut |trans-title=Foreign Ownership of Brisbane Roar Deemed Troublesome, As Joko Driyono and Bakrie Name Was Put Under Spotlight |url=https://www.kompas.com/global/read/2021/09/27/214335970/kepemilikan-asing-brisbane-roar-bermasalah-nama-joko-driyono-dan-bakrie?page=all |language=id |work=Kompas.com |location=Indonesia |access-date=22 November 2021 |archive-date=22 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122102200/https://www.kompas.com/global/read/2021/09/27/214335970/kepemilikan-asing-brisbane-roar-bermasalah-nama-joko-driyono-dan-bakrie?page=all |url-status=live }}
• Washington Spirit's 2020 cultural exchange with Qatar.{{Cite web |author=Stephanie Yang |date=15 December 2020 |title=Washington Spirit partnership with Qatar is troubling |url=https://www.allforxi.com/2020/12/15/22174710/washington-spirit-partnership-qatar-troubling-migrant-worker-abuse-exploitation |website=All for XI |access-date=7 March 2021 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126034234/https://www.allforxi.com/2020/12/15/22174710/washington-spirit-partnership-qatar-troubling-migrant-worker-abuse-exploitation |url-status=live }}

• Russian businessman Mikhail Prokhorov ownership of NBA team Brooklyn Nets. Prokhorov was known to be a close ally to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In 2017, Prokhorov sold the team which was alleged to have been a request from Putin.{{cite news |last1=Kosman |first1=Josh |last2=Lewis |first2=Brian |date=1 March 2022 |title=Did Vladimir Putin pressure Mikhail Prokhorov to sell the Brooklyn Nets? |url=https://nypost.com/2022/03/01/did-vladimir-putin-pressure-mikhail-prokhorov-to-sell-the-brooklyn-nets/ |work=New York Post |location= |access-date=25 May 2022 |archive-date=25 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525162132/https://nypost.com/2022/03/01/did-vladimir-putin-pressure-mikhail-prokhorov-to-sell-the-brooklyn-nets/ |url-status=live }} The team was later bought by Hong Kong businessman Joe Tsai. Tsai was previously criticized for his praise of China's restrictions on personal freedoms and expressing his support of Hong Kong national security law.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33723055/brooklyn-nets-owner-joe-tsai-face-nba-uneasy-china-relationship |title=Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai is the face of NBA's uneasy China relationship |last1=Fainaru-Wada |first1=Mark |last2=Fainaru |first2=Steve |date=14 April 2022 |website=ESPN |publisher= |access-date=25 May 2022 |quote= |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115171212/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33723055/brooklyn-nets-owner-joe-tsai-face-nba-uneasy-china-relationship |url-status=live }}

• Indian fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya ownership of cricket team Royal Challengers Bangalore who competed in Indian Premier League. Indian Enforcement Directorate accused Mallya ownership of the team to be part of Mallya's money laundering scheme.{{cite news|title=Vijay Mallya used Force India, RCB for laundering: ED chargesheet|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/vijay-mallya-used-royal-challengers-bangalore-for-laundering-ed/articleshow/64640905.cms|first=Vijay|last=V Singh|work=The Times of India|date=19 June 2018|access-date=18 July 2023}}
• The South Africa national cricket team held numerous tours dubbed as South African rebel tours around 1982–1990, defying sporting bodies' sanctions of numerous South African sport teams for participating in international sporting events. The tours have been regarded as part of the apartheid government's sporting propaganda.Pg 35-71, Peter May, The Rebel Tours: Cricket's Crisis of Conscience, 2009Pg 55, May 2009

• There are numerous reports that 2020 Tour de France was used by problematic countries and companies to sportswash their tarnished reputation; the following teams have been accused of sportswashing during the event:{{cite web |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/bv8eda/ineos-tour-de-france-sportswashing |title=The 'Sportswashing' Behind One of the World's Biggest Cycling Teams |last=Kennedy |first=Tristan |publisher= |date=September 21, 2020 |website=Vice News |access-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-date=22 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122160629/https://www.vice.com/en/article/bv8eda/ineos-tour-de-france-sportswashing |url-status=live }}
• Ineos Grenadiers
• UAE Team Emirates
• Bahrain–McLaren

• Indian fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya's ownership of the Force India Formula One team. Mallya's Force India team were accused by the Indian Enforcement Directorate that it was created for money laundering purposes.
• Kingdom of Bahrain state-owned sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat Holding Company, partial stake at McLaren Group which includes its racing division, McLaren Racing, which competes in Formula One, Formula E, Extreme E and IndyCar Series.{{cite news|title=Bahrain violence convinces Vodafone to end its F1 deal|url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/formula-one/article/bahrain-violence-convinces-vodafone-to-end-its-f1-deal-qzrkm2gmm8f|first=Nic|last=Fildes|work=The Times|date=14 March 2013|access-date=17 March 2013|archive-date=17 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317113239/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business/industries/leisure/article3713073.ece|url-status=live}}

• The Al Maktoum family's ownership of Godolphin and Essential Quality.{{Cite magazine|last=Forde|first=Pat|title=The Derby, the Sheikh and the Missing Princess: A Troubling Mix|url=https://www.si.com/horse-racing/2021/04/30/the-derby-the-sheikh-and-the-missing-princess-daily-cover|access-date=3 May 2021|magazine=Sports Illustrated|language=en-us}}
• The takeover of esports organizations ESL and FACEIT by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.{{Cite news |last=updated |first=Tyler Wilde last |date=2022-01-25 |title=Major esports host ESL Gaming is now owned by Saudi Arabia |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/esl-and-dreamhack-are-now-owned-by-saudi-arabia/ |access-date=2023-01-22 |archive-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125230228/https://www.pcgamer.com/esl-and-dreamhack-are-now-owned-by-saudi-arabia/ |url-status=live }}

• Daniel Kinahan's involvement in boxing as a promoter.{{Cite web|last=Dawson|first=Alan|title=Daniel Kinahan appears to be at the heart of a campaign to sportswash his image as the suspected boss of a $1 billion cartel|url=https://www.insider.com/daniel-kinahan-boxing-campaign-sportswash-image-2021-2|access-date=22 April 2021|website=Insider|language=en-US}}
• Brother of Venezuelan PSUV politician and Bolibourgeoisie Jesse Chacón, Arné Chacón ownership of stable in Florida called Gadu Racing Stable Corp and participation of horse racing in United States.{{cite news|url=https://www.univision.com/noticias/univision-investiga/boliburgueses-y-el-encanto-del-imperio|title=Boliburgueses y el encanto del Imperio|last1=Reyes|first1=Gerardo|date=4 August 2013|accessdate=15 April 2015|agency=Univision|last2=Ocando|first2=Cato|archive-date=25 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225050853/http://www.univision.com/noticias/univision-investiga/boliburgueses-y-el-encanto-del-imperio|url-status=live}}
• Chechnyan leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s ownership of the horse Mourilyan which competed in the Melbourne Cup. Australian Senator Bob Brown called the Australian government to quarantine the prize money out of concerns about money laundering.{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/horseracing/mourilyan-third/2009/11/03/1257010193627.html|title=Quarantine prize money of Chechen horse: Greens|publisher=Sydney Morning Gerald|date=3 November 2009|access-date=11 January 2022|archive-date=11 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011092225/http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/horseracing/mourilyan-third/2009/11/03/1257010193627.html|url-status=live}} and having runners in various meetings in the UK especially Royal Ascot
• Kadyrov has also associated himself with UFC events, and has sponsored numerous Chechen fighters in the league.{{Cite news |last=Zidan |first=Karim |date=2018-09-29 |title=Why the UFC's 'sportswashing' of Chechnya's dictator is a problem |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2018/sep/29/ramzan-kadyrov-ufc-chechnya-dictator |access-date=2024-11-27 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}
• International Cycling Union presenting a certificate of appreciation to Turkmen dictator Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow for "in development of sport and consolidation of universal peace and progress".{{cite news |title=The President of Turkmenistan Awarded with UCI Certificate |url=https://business.com.tm/post/3931/the-president-of-turkmenistan-awarded-with-uci-certificate |work=Business.com |date=4 July 2019 |access-date=28 November 2021 |archive-date=2 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502171726/https://business.com.tm/post/3931/the-president-of-turkmenistan-awarded-with-uci-certificate |url-status=live }}{{failed verification|date=January 2022|reason=Does not mention sportswashing}}

File:Demonstration in front of the Chinese Embassy, Prague (4.2.2022) II.jpg in Beijing. The banner reads, "Artificial snow, real genocide".]]

• Kazakhstan has joined UEFA since 2002 and has also sponsored numerous sporting events in recent years.{{Cite web |date=2021-12-05 |title=Sjakk-VMs mørke side: Midt på natten ble firebarnsfaren hentet av 12 maskerte menn |url=https://www.aftenposten.no/sport/sjakk/i/7dxkoW/sjakk-vm-skjer-i-et-av-verdens-mest-undertrykte-land-planen-deres-lykkes-advarer-ekspert |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=www.aftenposten.no |language=nb}}{{Cite web |title=The curious case of Kazakh football |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/the-curious-case-of-kazakh-football |website=FIFA}} Kazakhstan has been accused of being an authoritarian dictatorship due to its repression on dissidents and censorship of media, and that their UEFA membership association has also been under criticism as Kazakhstan has shared more commons with the authoritarian AFC than with more democratic UEFA due to the majority of Asian nations being authoritarian as contrast to European ones, which has gained headline after Kazakhstan become the first UEFA member after Belarus to send a national team (U-21) to play Russia since the invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web |last=natalia.saucedo |date=2022-02-18 |title=Kazakhstan in Context: A Repressive State |url=https://hrf.org/kazakhstan-in-context-a-repressive-state/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Human Rights Foundation |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Наша молодежка продолжит феерить на полях Белоруссии. Прогноз на Россия U21 — Казахстан U21 - 22 сентября 2022 - Sport24 |url=https://sport24.ru/news/football/2022-09-22-rossiya-kazakhstan-prognoz-i-stavka-na-tovarishcheskiy-match-molodezhnykh-sbornykh-24sentyabrya-koeffitsiyenty-bukmekerov-gde-smotret-vo-skolko-nachalo |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=sport24.ru |language=ru}}{{Cite web |last=Lowe |first=Martin |date=2022-12-20 |title=OPINION: AFC must soon confront the looming question over Russia |url=https://www.theasiangame.net/opinion-afc-must-soon-confront-the-looming-question-over-russia/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=The Asian Game |language=en-AU}} Additionally, FC Astana, a football project launched by the autocratic government of Nursultan Nazarbayev to gain foothold in Europe and justify its membership switch, was also seen as sportswashing.{{Cite web |last=Bartlett |first=Paul |date=10 November 2015 |title=Kazakhstan: Counting the Costs of Astana Sports Project |url=https://eurasianet.org/kazakhstan-counting-the-costs-of-astana-sports-project |website=Eurasia.net}}
• Myanmar has been recently allowed to host the 2022 AFF Championship and their clubs allowed to play home games in the 2023–24 AFC Cup despite grave human rights concerns in the aftermath of the Myanmar protests and massacres by the Tatmadaw on unarmed protesters.{{Cite web |title=Myanmar loses to Malaysia in first home international football match since start of pandemic-Xinhua |url=https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/20221221/b8344a40153c4369bb86604aff7e41fc/c.html |access-date=2023-11-11 |website=english.news.cn}}{{Cite news |date=2023-10-05 |title=Furore over Australian soccer team's match in war-torn Myanmar during AFC Cup |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-06/australian-soccer-team-play-in-myanmar-military-links/102913754 |access-date=2023-11-11}} Additionally, the AFC is also accused of sportswashing in support for the Tatmadaw, by denying the request of the Australian club Macarthur FC to play their away match against Burmese opponent Shan United F.C. in a neutral ground.
• UAE- In November 2021, the Emirates Culture and Tourism Department signed a multiyear partnership deal with the NBA, granting Abu Dhabi rights to host the preseason NBA games.Human rights groups questioned the deal, stating that the NBA was risking being complicit in the UAE’s concerning human rights record. In February 2024, NBA also signed the multiyear global marketing partnership with the Emirates Airlines, making the airline an inaugural title partner of the NBA Cup. Emirates also became the first-ever referee jersey patch partner of the NBA. The league was questioned over the type of countries it was picking for alliance, including the UAE. The deals between the NBA and the UAE were criticized, citing the Emirates’ involvement in the Sudan civil war and its constant arms supply to the Rapid Support Force militia.Human Rights Watch stated that the UAE conducts high-profile sporting and other events in an attempt to portray an image of openness, while practicing zero-tolerance policy.{{cite news|title=Emirates Named Global Airline Partner of the NBA and Title Partner of the Emirates NBA Cup|date=8 February 2024|url=https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/emirates-named-global-airline-partner-of-the-nba-and-title-partner-of-the-emirates-nba-cup/|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240711202735/https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/emirates-named-global-airline-partner-of-the-nba-and-title-partner-of-the-emirates-nba-cup|archive-date=11 July 2024 |access-date=28 January 2025}}{{cite news|title=The UAE's malign role in Sudan war can't be 'sportswashed' away

|date=1 January 2025 |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-01-01-uaes-malign-role-in-sudan-war-cant-be-sportswashed-away-using-nba/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250101231049/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-01-01-uaes-malign-role-in-sudan-war-cant-be-sportswashed-away-using-nba/?dm_campaign=main&dm_source=dm_block_grid&dm_medium=card_link |archive-date=1 January 2025 |access-date=28 January 2025}}{{cite news|title= UAE: NBA Games Risk "Sportswashing" Abuses

|date=3 October 2024|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/10/03/uae-nba-games-risk-sportswashing-abuses|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241004015756/https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/10/03/uae-nba-games-risk-sportswashing-abuses|archive-date=4 October 2024 |access-date=28 January 2025}}{{cite news|title= NBA and Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi announce multiyear partnership to host first NBA games in the United Arab Emirates|date=16 November 2024|url=https://dct.gov.ae/en/media.centre/news/nba.and.department.of.culture.and.tourism.abu.dhabi.announce.multiyear.partnership.to.host.first.nba.games.in.the.united.arab.emirates.aspx|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240926155335/https://dct.gov.ae/en/media.centre/news/nba.and.department.of.culture.and.tourism.abu.dhabi.announce.multiyear.partnership.to.host.first.nba.games.in.the.united.arab.emirates.aspx|archive-date=26 September 2024|access-date=28 January 2025}}

• Greenwashing
• Pinkwashing (LGBT)
• Politics and sports
• Potemkin village
• Reputation laundering
• Soft power
• Spin (propaganda)
• Sport sanctions

{{reflist}}

Category:Human rights

Category:Deception

Category:Promotion and marketing communications

Category:Propaganda

Category:Sports controversies

Category:Politics and sports

Category:Reputation management