The host football associations of Australia and New Zealand are opposing Saudi Arabia’s tourism board as a possible sponsor of the women’s World Cup this summer.
The two co-hosts New Zealand and Australia have sharply criticized a possible sponsorship of Saudi Arabia at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. It was “shocked and disappointed” that the world governing body FIFA “was not informed” about such plans, according to a statement from Wellington.
The Australian association also complained that it had not been informed of such plans. You will write to FIFA immediately to clarify the situation.
Harsh criticism also from Amnesty International
The portal “The Athletic” had reported that the Saudi Arabian tourist board Visit Saudi should become a partner of the tournament from July 20 to August 20 in Australia and New Zealand. Due to severely restricted women’s rights, the Gulf state is in the pillory internationally. It is important to note that “in Saudi Arabia, a woman cannot even have a job without the permission of a male ‘protector’,” said Amnesty International Australia’s Nikita White.
Saudi Arabia is generally criticized for human rights violations. Opponents of the government are persecuted, freedom of expression and assembly are severely restricted, and homosexuality is strictly forbidden. The US secret services also hold Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman responsible for the brutal murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was critical of the government, in Istanbul.
Saudi Arabia wins Asian championship
Critics accuse the political leadership of using sport to polish its own image and to distract from abuses. Formula 1 races, boxing world championships, its own golf series, the 2029 Asian Winter Games, the takeover of the Premier League club Newcastle United – for years Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as the organizer of major sporting events and is building its influence on the international sports stage. Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo recently switched to the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
The oil state was only awarded the contract to host the 2027 Asian Championship for men on Wednesday. There are already plans to bid for the 2030 World Cup along with Egypt and Greece.