''sportswashing''

thumb|President Vladimir Putin holding the [[FIFA World Cup Trophy at a pre-tournament ceremony for the 2018 FIFA World Cup hosted in Russia]] Sportswashing is a term used to describe the practice of governments, individuals, corporations, or other groups using sports to improve reputations tarnished by wrongdoing. A form of propaganda, sportswashing can be accomplished through hosting sporting events, purchasing or sponsoring sporting teams, or participating in a sport.