Judy Murray has been criticised for helping to facilitate 'sportswashing’ after accepting a role as a tennis coach at a tournament in Saudi Arabia. 

The former Great Britain Fed Cup captain has agreed to hold tennis classes for girls during the Dirayah Tennis Cup, which has been criticised by human rights organisation Amnesty International

Murray, who is mother to tennis stars Andy and Jamie, has regularly been an advocate for equality in tennis and has previously spoken out about the sexism she believes is still rife within the sport. 

In a statement, Murray said she wanted to "remove barriers to participation” in tennis, but her involvement with Saudi Arabia, who have a poor reputation when it comes to human rights, has led to scrutiny. 

Saudi Arabia has a history of oppressing women and Amnesty International believe that Murray has been recruited to perform a 'sportswashing role’ in the country. 

What have Amnesty International said? 

Speaking on Murray’s involvement with the Dirayah Tennis Cup, a spokesperson for Amnesty International said:  "While promoting women's sport in a country which has long stifled women and girls' human rights is a positive thing, it is important that Judy Murray should realise she's being asked to perform a sportswashing role in Saudi Arabia.

"We encourage Judy Murray, as we would other attendees at the Diriyah Tennis Cup, to use the opportunity to speak out and show solidarity with those who are being persecuted in Saudi Arabia's relentless crackdown on human rights."

Saudi Arabia have reportedly spent more than $1.5 billion (£1.32bn) to bring international sport to the country, leading to accusations of using events to ‘sportswash’ its reputation. 

Judy Murray watches Andy Murray

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 01: Judy Murray, captain of Union Jacks, watches the men's doubles match between Andy Murray and Lloyd Glasspool of Union Jacks and Joe Salisbury and Kyle Edmund of British Bulldogs during day six of the St. James's Place Battle of The Brits Team Tennis at National Tennis Centre on August 1, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Battle Of The Brits)

What has Judy Murray said? 

Despite the criticism directed at her, Murray’s statement made clear that her aim is to help ensure women have equal opportunities to play tennis. 

"Throughout my involvement in tennis, I have championed the cause of giving as many people as possible the opportunity to try tennis and to fall in love with it the way I have, and the way Jamie and Andy have," she emphasised.

"I am particularly keen to ensure girls and women are given an equal opportunity to enjoy and experience tennis, whether for fun, for fitness or for friendship.

"I look forward to bringing that message and the practical skills and knowledge to the tennis community in Saudi Arabia in the effort to introduce more girls and women to tennis."

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LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 28: Judy Murray, Coach of the Union Jacks during day two of the St. James's Place Battle Of The Brits Team Tennis at National Tennis Centre on July 28, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images for Battle Of The Brits)

Who else is playing at the Dirayah Tennis Cup? 

While Murray will help oversee taster sessions for children at the tournament, 12 male players will compete at the exhibition event. 

British number one Cameron Norrie will be joined by the likes of Andrey Rublev and three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka.

You can find all the latest tennis news and rumours here. 

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