United States forward Alex Morgan says it is “weird” that Saudi Arabia’s tourism authority is sponsoring the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Co-hosts Australia and New Zealand asked FIFA earlier this month “clarify urgently” Visit Saudi has reportedly been named as the official sponsor for the tournament, which starts in July.
Gulf kingdom There are allegations of human rights violations.
“Ethically, it just doesn’t make sense,” said Morgan, a two-time World Cup winner.
“It’s strange that I, myself, Alex Morgan, are looking to have Saudi sponsorship of the FIFA Women’s World Cup when it is not supported and accepted in that country.”
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sporting events in recent years but has been accused of using the events to ‘sportswash’ its reputation.
Women’s rights campaigners remain jailed despite some reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, such as the end of a ban on women driving.
Western intelligence agencies have claimed the crown prince ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 – which he denies.
The US Soccer Federation (USSF) has said it will raise its concerns with world football’s governing body over the sponsorship deal, which has yet to be formally announced.
“US Soccer strongly supports human rights and equality for all and believes in the power of our sport to make a positive impact,” the USSF said in a statement to The Athletic on Wednesday.
“While we cannot control how other organizations handle sponsorship options for the tournaments we compete in, we can express our concern and continue to support our players.”
The sponsorship deal is part of a new commercial partnership set up by FIFA to allow brands to specifically support the women’s game.
Although the size of the deal has not been disclosed, insiders claim it will provide a significant boost to the women’s game and the money generated will be reinvested back into football.
“I don’t understand,” Morgan added.
“What Saudi Arabia can do is make efforts for their women’s team, which was formed only a couple of years ago and is not currently ranked within the FIFA ranking system, because of some of the games they have played.
“That is my advice to them and I hope FIFA will do the right thing.”
Saudi Arabia sent women to the Olympics for the first time in 2012, but has taken steps to develop women’s football in recent years, allowing female fans to attend football matches for the first time in 2018.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation appointed two women to its board of directors and created a women’s football division in 2019.
In 2020, a women’s football league was launched and last month Saudi Arabia hosted and won a four-nation women’s football tournament in a bid to appear in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings for the first time.
The Women’s World Cup will take place from July 20 to August 20 in cities across Australia and New Zealand and organizers believe Two billion is a record People can watch the tournament.
