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The term "sportswashing" has come into the conversation frequently when discussing the Saudi Arabian bid. This term refers to the practice of countries using major sporting events to enhance their international image while downplaying serious issues, including political repression and human rights abuses. Critics argue that by granting the World Cup to Saudi Arabia, FIFA is ignoring these concerns and effectively enabling the nation to improve its global standing at the expense of ethical considerations.
The backlash from various organizations illustrates a growing unease regarding the blending of sports and politics, and how international sporting events may be leveraged to shape perceptions of nations with controversial human rights records.