The sporting boycott of South Africa, which lasted for more than two decades, was a powerful tool used by the international community to exert pressure on the apartheid regime to end its discriminatory policies. The boycott was particularly effective because it isolated South Africa from the rest of the world, denying it access to international sporting events and the benefits that came with them, such as tourism, economic opportunities, and global recognition. The boycott also had a symbolic value, sending a message that the international community was not willing to tolerate the apartheid regime's human rights abuses.

In contrast, the sporting links with Middle Eastern countries with poor human rights records have not been subject to the same level of scrutiny and criticism. Despite well-documented human rights abuses, including the oppression of women and the LGBT community, these countries continue to host and participate in international sporting events without any major consequences.

It’s called sportswashing and it needs to stop. F1 - you should be leading the way!

Drivers