A Star-Studded Soccer Game Was Saudi Arabia’s Latest Attempt to ‘Sportswash’ Rights Abuses. It Didn’t Work

A headed goal from soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo propelled Juventus to 1–0 victory over rivals AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana (Italian Super Cup) Wednesday, but the reluctance of the sport's top players and clubs to speak out against Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses has prompted accusations they are complicit in 'sportswashing' for the Gulf state.

A headed goal from soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo propelled Juventus to 1–0 victory over rivals AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana (Italian Super Cup) Wednesday, but the reluctance of the sport's top players and clubs to speak out against Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses has prompted accusations they are complicit in 'sportswashing' for the Gulf state.