Rio Ferdinand has been accused of sportswashing after a high-profile three-day visit to Tanzania in which he publicly praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government and called culture and sports minister Paul Makonda “my good friend.” Makonda is sanctioned
Rio Ferdinand arrived in Tanzania to a warm reception, draped in the Tanzanian flag as the trip drew public fanfare. But within hours. the mood around the former Manchester United and England defender turned sharply darker—accusations of “sportswashing” followed after he publicly backed the country’s leadership during a luxurious visit.
The 47-year-old former star was hosted on the trip by culture and sports minister Paul Makonda. who the US government sanctioned in 2020 for “gross violations of human rights.” Makonda has also faced reports of anti-gay crackdowns. including the creation of a surveillance squad dedicated to hunting down gay people in Tanzania.
At a reception following his arrival. Ferdinand referred to Makonda as “my good friend Paul. ” telling the gathering: “Tanzania are making strides to become a global powerhouse of football and they need the support. It’s a massive achievement to be part of that (Afcon) and to inspire the next generation.” He added: “You have to come. you have to meet people. My good friend Paul here. we have been speaking on the (phone). it has not just happened overnight. and we have to prepare a plan for when I’m here to see things and experience things and then start cooking up some good ideas.”.
Those remarks have landed at a sensitive moment for Tanzania’s international standing. Ferdinand’s visit is reported as part of Tanzania’s efforts to use the profile of former Premier League stars ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
Yet critics argue celebrity access risks turning attention away from allegations of abuse inside the country. Human rights groups and political opponents have pointed to what they describe as a brutal crackdown in the aftermath of Tanzania’s general election last year. when hundreds of protestors were reported killed. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was “re-elected” with 98 per cent of the vote. a result opposition parties described as a “mockery” of democracy after her main challengers were excluded.
Hassan insisted the election was fair and transparent and accused foreigners of inciting violence as part of attempts to overthrow her. Still, the African Union and the southern Africa bloc SADC said the vote fell short of democratic standards. A request to visit from the European Union to investigate allegations of election abuses and repression was also denied by the government.
Amnesty International UK’s director of campaigns, Felix Jakens, said: “Amnesty International has been closely monitoring a deeply troubling human rights situation in Tanzania, where security forces used unlawful lethal force against protesters in late 2025, killing and injuring hundreds.”
Against that backdrop. Ferdinand has been urged to change course publicly—rather than lend his image to those accused of wrongdoing. One criticism pointed directly at the contradiction critics say is at the heart of the “sportswashing” label: Makonda has already been sanctioned by the US for “gross human rights violations. ” but Ferdinand’s presence. critics argue. risks rehabilitating Tanzania’s global image while those tied to recent abuses face no accountability.
When contacted for comment by The Times. Ferdinand’s representative said he was unaware whether Ferdinand was being paid. and said Ferdinand was invited by Hassan rather than Makonda. The representative also claimed the trip was intended to help support African football development ahead of next year’s tournament.
Ferdinand’s three-day stay reportedly included travel to the capital Dodoma via train with Makonda. He also visited the Tanzanian parliament and the Serengeti National Park. Ferdinand is pictured with his wife Kate; the pair are based in Dubai after leaving the UK last August.
For critics, the itinerary and the praise for football’s growth are not the central issue. The central issue is the message sent by a prominent global sports figure standing publicly alongside officials whose reputations. sanctions and allegations remain deeply contested—particularly at a time when protest violence. democratic concerns and repression claims have kept Tanzania under intense scrutiny.
Rio Ferdinand sportswashing Tanzania Paul Makonda Samia Suluhu Hassan 2027 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON human rights protesters killed US sanctions Amnesty International Felix Jakens Dodoma Serengeti National Park gay surveillance squad