With four months to go until the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, FIFA may be considering dropping plans for Saudi Arabia’s tourism office to sponsor the tournament after strong opposition from the World Cup hosts. Since several weeks ago information came to light that Visit Saudi would join other brands such as Visa or Coca-Cola as a sponsor of the Women’s World Cup, many voices have been raised to denounce it, despite the fact that FIFA itself has never has come to present the agreement.
“Inappropriate”, “strange” or “scandalous” are some of the adjectives with which world stars such as Alex Morgan or Megan Rapinoe have spoken out against the possibility that a country that does not respect the rights of women or same-sex relations are sponsors of a women’s World Cup. Amnesty International Australia said it was “ironic” that a Saudi tourism body sponsored the women’s tournament, as Saudi women “can’t even have a job without the permission of their male guardian.”
Although the first to raise the alarm were the hosts of the tournament, who at the time this possible agreement became known sent a letter to FIFA to ask about it. The response came a few days ago and has been described as “quite ambiguous” by the executive director of New Zealand Football, Andrew Pragnell: “He did not confirm or deny the possible agreement that was reported in the media. Anything I say would be speculation because I don’t know, but clearly our letter, given the delay in response and the lack of confirmation or denial, has prompted some sort of reconsideration at FIFA.”
This same Monday, Football Australia (FA) has also issued a statement in which they claim to have reached “an overwhelming consensus” that an agreement with Visit Saudi “does not align with our collective vision and does not meet our expectations.” “Although FIFA has not confirmed this association, based on the consultations we have had with our community and our own position, we would not feel comfortable with that,” they say.
Pending FIFA’s decision, Australia and New Zealand reiterate their frontal opposition to this sponsorship becoming a reality: “While we await more clarity and information, we continue to convey this clear message on behalf of Football Australia, New Zealand Football and our community,” they say.
