FIFA is expected to drop plans to make Visit Saudi a sponsor for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand following a backlash led by women’s players.
The Athletic reported in January that the gulf nation’s tourism board was set to be unveiled as one of the tournament’s sponsors.
A selection of figures in the women’s game, including Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, USWNT forward Alex Morgan and New Zealand defender Ali Riley, in addition to human rights campaigners, voiced concerns about the proposed sponsorship.
Hayes had labelled the proposed.
The Australian and New Zealand football associations have written to FIFA for urgent clarification regarding Visit Saudi being a sponsor of this summer’s Women’s World Cup.
Football Australia has also told The Athletic they are “very disappointed” FIFA did not discuss the matter with.
Visit Saudi, the Gulf nation’s tourist board, is set to be unveiled as a sponsor of this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
FIFA announced in December 2021 that Visa would be its first “global women’s football partner” and Australia’s Commonwealth Bank.