Following outcry from high-profile players as well as hosts Australia and New Zealand, FIFA looks set to kibosh plans of a major sponsorship of the Women’s World Cup by the Saudi tourism body, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
Reports emerged in January of the plans for Visit Saudi to sponsor the event, which would have seen prominent branding for the middle-eastern nation plastered across venues and other activations.
While Matildas stars haven’t publicly commented, American star Alex Morgan labelled the deal “bizarre” and “disappointing“.
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Only in 2017 was a ban on Saudi women attending football matches as spectators lifted, and their first national women’s league was only created in 2020.
Saudi women are still bound by a guardianship law requiring all women to have a male guardian who has authority over a range of decisions, including marriage.
FIFA also hasn’t publicly acknowledged the deal.
The SMH reports Football Australia chief executive James Johnson and chair Chris Nikou both made their feelings clear to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino at the recent Asian Football Confederation congress in Bahrain.
“Whilst the partnership has not been confirmed by FIFA, based on the consultations we have had with our community, key stakeholders and our own position, we would not be comfortable with [the sponsorship],” Johnson said.
“While we await further clarity and information as to the details of the partnership from FIFA, we continue to convey this clear message on behalf of Football Australia, New Zealand Football, and our community.”
After reports of the sponsorship surfaced, former Socceroo Craig Foster slammed the deal, and said FIFA’s decision to accept the Saudi dollars nullified the work done by the Australian Human Rights Commission in preparing a report as part of the bidding process.
“Acceptance of Saudi sponsorship without acknowledgement of the accompanying human rights abuses is typical of FIFA and global sport right now and disgraceful in the extreme.”
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