Following his move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to use his superstar status to highlight human rights issues.
Ronaldo arrived at the club with a deal until 2025, stating "in Europe, my work, it's done."
Cristiano Ronaldo: 'In Europe, my work is done. I won everything' ?️ pic.twitter.com/2lk82R7Bhr
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 4, 2023
Following the player's introductory press conference, Dana Ahmed of Amnesty International released a statement which stated that 'Ronaldo should not allow his fame and celebrity status to become a tool of Saudi sportswashing'.
The footballing superstar's salary at Al Nassr has raised more than a few eyebrows, with several outlets reporting figures upwards of €200 million a year.
Dana Ahmed of Amnesty International has released a statement saying that 'Cristiano Ronaldo should not allow his fame and celebrity status to become a tool of Saudi sportswashing'. pic.twitter.com/irqn01Gf8q
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 4, 2023
The statement read: "Instead of offering uncritical praise of Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo should use his considerable public platform to draw attention to human rights issues in the country.
"Saudi Arabia regularly executes people for crimes including murder, rape and drug smuggling. On a single day last year, 81 people were put to death, many of whom were tried in grossly unfair trials.
"The authorities are also continuing their crackdown on freedom of expression and association, with heavy prison sentences handed down to human rights defenders, women’s rights activists and other political activists."
Saudi Arabia, as a country, has seen its sporting exploits extend to the breakaway LIV golf series, as well as hosting high-profile boxing and a Formula One grand Prix.
There is also notable interest in hosting the 203o FIFA World Cup, which has been met which much backlash across the footballing community.
If FIFA grants the Saudi Arabia/Egypt bid the 2030 World Cup hosting duties then we know they’ve learned zero lessons from the Qatar debacle https://t.co/3SX5LSE1Jv
— Tommy Vietor (@TVietor08) November 20, 2022
When quizzed about the nature of his new bumper contract, Ronaldo simply responded, "This contract is unique but I’m a unique player, so for me it’s normal.
"I gave my word to this club to develop not only the football but other parts of this amazing country."
