February 2 According to Sky Sports, the hosts of the Women’s World Cup, Australia and New Zealand, were disappointed by the report that Saudi Arabia sponsored the World Cup.
Australia and New Zealand were disappointed that FIFA signed a sponsorship contract with the Saudi Tourism Bureau without consulting them, according to The Athletic.
In a letter to FIFA, the Australian and New Zealand FAs wrote: “We cannot fully express the potential impact and consequences of this decision. Australia and New Zealand have placed a high priority on gender equality for decades and worked hard to promote it around the world.
This kind of thinking.”
Rights group Amnesty International has urged FIFA to say publicly that Saudi Arabia needs more human rights reforms rather than allowing it to use the Women’s World Cup to “whitewash” the country’s image.
Football Federation Australia added in a statement: “We are extremely disappointed that Football Federation Australia was not consulted on this matter before making a decision.” Football Federation New Zealand was shocked and disappointed.
FIFA had no immediate comment and the Saudi government did not respond.
Sky Sports went on to say that Saudi Arabia has tried to use sports to “whitewash” the country’s image in recent years. The Saudi sovereign wealth fund will acquire Newcastle in 2021, and Ronaldo has also joined the Saudi League.
The Saudi Tourism Board is a sponsor of the World Cup, and Messi is their ambassador. In addition, Saudi Arabia is also considering bidding with Egypt and Greece to host the 2030 World Cup.
(Luca)