May 29, 2024

Loughborough University’s London campus, UK

Event on sportswashing – Loughborough University London campus, Wednesday 29th May, 1100-1700

Sportswashing is a neologism that has become a mainstay of Western media reporting in the last few years, whether in relation to the hosting of sporting mega events, the ownership of professional sports clubs or the sponsorship of high-profile sports tournaments. It refers to the ways in which a country invests in sports to promote its reputation on a global stage and deflect attention away from less favourable perceptions of its actions and institutions.

Yet, despite its growing profile, there has been little research into sportswashing and, as a result, many of the claims about its utility are yet to be substantiated. In short, we require better ways of evaluating the impact (or otherwise) of sportswashing.

To address these issues, we will be holding a one-day symposium on Wednesday 29th May 2024 at Loughborough University’s London campus https://www.lborolondon.ac.uk/about/location/

The event will feature two academic panels and a round-table discussion, involving;

• Miguel Delaney, chief football writer at the Indepndent and author of the forthcoming book, States of Play: How Sportswashing Took Over Football
  
• Professor Richard Giulianotti, UNESCO Chair in Sport, Physical Activity and Education for Development, Loughborough University, UK
  
• John Hird, Newcastle United Fans Against Sportswashing
  
• Alex Carlen, Human Rights Co-ordinator, FairSquare
  

You can sign up for tickets (admission is free) here; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sportswashing-managing-state-relations-and-reputations-through-associations-with-sport-tickets-890869313097?aff=oddtdtcreator

Online attendees are welcome. Please use the following link.