Cnn
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Amnesty International said on Wednesday that soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to highlight human rights issues in Saudi Arabia while at Al Nassr.
A Press release of Human Rights Watchdog quotes Dana Ahmed, its Middle East researcher, as saying: “Al-Nassr’s signing of Cristiano Ronaldo fits into a larger pattern of sports laundry in Saudi Arabia.
“Sportswashing” is the phenomenon of polishing one’s reputation through sport.
“It is very likely that the Saudi authorities will encourage Ronaldo’s presence in the country to distract from the appalling human rights record in the country,” Ahmed added.
“Cristiano Ronaldo should not allow his fame and celebrity status to become a tool in the Saudi sports laundry. He should use his time at Al-Nassr to speak out on the myriad human rights issues in the country.”
The publication claims that the Saudi state executes people without fair trials and does not allow freedom of expression or association.
According to Saudi state media, Ronaldo is estimated to make $200 million a year with Al Nassr.
Amnesty International’s statement came in response to comments made by the Portuguese star at his presentation to the Riyadh team on Monday, where he said: “I want to convey a different vision of this club and this country. That’s why I took this opportunity.”
CNN reached out to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sports, the Football Federation of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Pro League for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
Ronaldo’s reps declined to comment.
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