Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – Amnesty International (Amnesty) said Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo should shed light on human rights issues in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during his time playing at the Al- Nasr Club.
In a press release issued by the organization specializing in human rights monitoring, Dana Ahmed, Middle East affairs researcher at the organisation, said: “The signing of Al-Nasr Club with Cristiano Ronaldo is consistent with a more wide of image finishing through sports in Saudi Arabia Sports polishing is the phenomenon of polishing reputation “through sports”.
“The authorities are very likely to promote Ronaldo’s presence in the country as a way to divert attention from the appalling human rights situation in the country. Instead of uncritically praising Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo should use his vast public media platform to draw attention to human rights issues in the country,” he added.
He continued: “Cristiano Ronaldo must not allow his fame and popularity to become a tool for Saudi sports polish, and he must use his time in victory to speak publicly about the countless human rights issues in the country.”
According to Saudi state media, Ronaldo will earn around $200 million a year with Al-Nassr.
Amnesty International’s statement came in response to comments the Portuguese star made on Monday when introducing the Riyadh squad, saying: ‘I want to present a different vision for this club and for this country, and that’s why I took this opportunity.’ .
CNN contacted the Saudi Ministry of Sports, the Saudi Football Federation and the Saudi Professional League for comment, but did not immediately receive a response. Ronaldo’s reps also declined to comment.
