The 1934 World Cup was dictator Benito Mussolini's propaganda showpiece. The Fascist anthem "Giovinezza" was sung at each game. The regime's flags flew. Even FIFA's commemorative postage stamps included Fascist insignia. Mussolini, whose appearances at matches were rapturously received, reveled in showcasing the might of Italy in front of locals and visitors from abroad. The Azzurri won the tournament with the help of dubious refereeing decisions. The term "sportswashing" is widely believed to have existed for less than a decade, but the practice itself is much older. "Using sport to launder your nation's reputation or to turn attention away from...
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Monitoring Antisemitism & Jewish Security Intel
Monitoring Antisemitism Intel
