Amnesty International urges Cristiano Ronaldo not “to become a tool of Saudi’s sportswashing” and call out the state’s human rights violations

Non-Profit Organization Amnesty International urges Al Nassr's star signing Cristiano Ronaldo to highlight the social issues existing in Saudi Arabia.

Amnesty International urges Cristiano Ronaldo not “to become a tool of Saudi’s sportswashing” and call out the state’s human rights violations

Cristiano Ronaldo with his wife and son

Amnesty International has used Cristiano Ronaldo‘s massive signing to highlight the existing human rights issues in Saudi Arabia. The organization believes that the sporting icon can use his stature and social reach to change Saudi Arabia’s marginal sectors. Dana Ahmed, a researcher from the middle-east believes that the footballer’s time playing in Saudi Arabia has given their country a global audience, which can be used to educate people about happening in Saudi Arabia.

The researcher released a press statement through CNN yesterday, talking about how Saudi Arabia would use CR7‘s signing as a distraction from the growing human rights violation cases. “Cristiano Ronaldo should not allow his fame and celebrity status to become a tool of Saudi’s sportswashing. He should use his time at Al Nassr to speak about the myriad human rights issues in the country,“.

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The press release further discusses the state’s regimes of executing people without trials and various other issues. The growing concerns over the state’s lack of freedom of speech have risen in recent years. Amnesty International urged the 37-year-old striker to raise his voice for these issues but received no response from the athlete’s side.

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Cristiano Ronaldo signed a staggering $200 million/ per season contract following his Manchester United exit. The Portuguese legend seems optimistic about his move to Al Nassr but will sadly miss the first two games.

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Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not making his debut for Al Nassr yet?

Ronaldo at Mrsool Park

CR7 received a warm welcome from the Al Nassr fans. On a beautiful night at Mrsool Park, Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival lit up the home stadium of the Saudi Arabian giants. His record-breaking move to the Saudi Pro League has brought a smile to all Asian football fans. Although, the veteran striker will not make his first appearance for Al Nassr yet.

Remember Ronaldo knocking down a kid’s phone at Goodison Park when Manchester United faced Everton? Yes, that’s exactly why Cristiano Ronaldo would be sitting on the bench for two more games before finally making his first appearance for the club. The FA suspended the Portuguese talisman after Ronaldo’s rage got the better of the striker.

Al Nassr fans would have to wait another week to see the iconic striker play at Mrsool Park. Cristiano Ronaldo is already training with the first team and seems ready for this new challenge. How many goals do you think he will score this season?

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