Cristiano Ronaldo should use his platform to speak about human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, says Amnesty International.
Ronaldo, 37, has signed a lucrative deal reportedly worth more than £177m per year with Saudi club Al Nassr until 2025.
Amnesty say Ronaldo's signing is part of a "wider pattern of sportswashing".
The Portuguese striker called Saudi Arabia an "amazing country" as he was unveiled by Al Nassr on Tuesday.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sporting events, backing the breakaway LIV Golf series, hosting world title boxing fights and a Formula One grand prix, while the country's Public Investment Fund backed a takeover of Premier League club Newcastle United in 2021.
However, Saudi Arabia has also been accused of human rights abuses and women's rights campaigners have been imprisoned, despite some reform under crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, such as an end to the ban on women driving.
Western intelligence agencies believe the crown prince ordered the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 - which he denies.
"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," Dana Ahmed, Amnesty's Middle East researcher, said.
"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.
"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 out about the myriad of human rights issues in the country."
Latest Stories
-
GPL: Our fans spur us on – GoldStars head coach Frimpong Manso on unbeaten run
35 mins -
Plantain chips are breaking hearts in Africa
39 mins -
61 new architects acquire state license to practice in Ghana
1 hour -
Masloc CEO honoured as capacity building Shero of the Year
1 hour -
MPs’ Repeated Attempts to Sue the Speaker: Unintended Consequences for the 2024 Elections?
1 hour -
Today’s front pages: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
1 hour -
Galamsey: Investigation into attack on Joy News’ Erastus Asare and colleagues already growing cold
2 hours -
Mahama promises construction of stadia in all 16 regions if elected
2 hours -
Dampare has transformed Police training school – Bawumia
2 hours -
America braced as two stark visions collide on election day
2 hours -
NAPO urges Ghanaians to support NPP’s vision for national development
2 hours -
About 95% of PWDs in Obuasi have source of livelihood – MCE
3 hours -
Immigration Service intercepts 54 gallons of fuel
3 hours -
Election 2024: Roman Fada selected as flagbearer for Ghana Freedom Party
3 hours -
Bawumia to launch Ghana’s credit scoring system on Nov. 7
3 hours