With just six months to go before the start of the Women's Soccer World Cup, controversy has surrounded FIFA after the tournament's co-hosts, Australia and New Zealand, have asked for explanations for the sponsorship of the Saudi Arabian tourism authority, a country where women's rights are not respected.
Through a statement, New Zealand Football and Football Australia have regretted that they have not been consulted about it, in the event that the agreement with Visit Saudi is true. For this reason both organizations have written to FIFA asking for explanations.
The news has generated anger from some human rights activists. "It would be quite ironic for the Saudi Arabian tourism body to sponsor the largest celebration of women's sports in the world when you consider that as a woman in Saudi Arabia, you can't even have a job without the permission of your male guardian," she said. Nikita White, campaigner for Amnesty International Australia
If confirmed, Visit Saudi would join international brands such as Adidas, Coca-Cola and Visa as main sponsors of the competition.
Despite this news, the Women's World Cup, which will be held between July 20 and August 20, is on its way to setting a historic precedent. So much so that FIFA has changed the venue for the opening match between Australia and the Republic of Ireland due to high demand for tickets. The match will move to the ANZ stadium, with a capacity for 100,000 spectators.
