The phenomenon of Sportswashing in the Olympic Games

Abstract

Sport has been an important aspect of human endeavour since ancient times and has always been intertwined with social values and growth. However, it has also been observed that sports have repeatedly been used throughout history to embellish the actions of regimes, such as the Nazi Berlin 1936 Olympics, which are considered by some to be the first example of what is now called ‘sportswashing’. The aim of this paper is to conduct a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of the phenomenon of sportswashing focusing on the following aspects: definitions and related terms, historical overview, legacy and ways of mitigation. Through the examination of academic and grey literature on the topic, it is concluded that, despite the overlap between sportswashing and soft power, a key differentiator is the existence of questionable moral practices in the former. Moreover, the historical overview of the phenomenon highlights that although the term was coined recently, the phenomenon is by no means new. Lastly, negative consequences of sportswashing include manipulation of information, which in turn allows for distraction from, minimisation or normalisation of unethical practices. Sportswashing can be combated through the introduction of a concrete framework that makes respect for human rights and other ethical requirements a prerequisite for any kind of engagement within the world of sport.