Sportswashing is just about everywhere -- but it may be backfiring on the countries that do it.

Sportswashing, the act of aligning with sports events or teams to distract from unethical practices, is prevalent among authoritarian regimes. However, this strategy may be backfiring on these countries. Sportswashing impacts fans by increasing awareness of human rights abuses, but fans still enjoy the events. The attention and money spent on sportswashed events can also make fans complicit in unethical behavior. Propaganda plays a key role in sportswashing, with both soft and hard forms being used. Some authoritarian regimes choose not to sportswash due to financial burdens or alternative image management strategies. The pervasiveness of sportswashing has actually increased awareness of human rights abuses and stifled aspirations for democracy. As sportswashing becomes more prevalent, fans are becoming more socially conscious and demanding accountability from athletes, leagues, and teams. Ultimately, sportswashing may backfire on the authoritarian regimes that perpetuate it. [Extracted from the article]