Co-hosts Australia and New Zealand have asked Fifa to “urgently clarify” reports that Saudi Arabia’s tourism authority is to be named as an official sponsor of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
A deal with Visit Saudi is set to be announced and has already been criticized by human rights groups.
The Gulf Kingdom has been accused of human rights abuses.
Football Australia and New Zealand Football said they were not consulted and are “disappointed”.
They have both written to football’s world governing body, while Amnesty International called it “crude exploitation” of the sport.
The Women’s World Cup takes place from 20 July to 20 August in cities across Australia and New Zealand, and organizers believe a record two billion people could watch the tournament.
Author-Barak Mintah Brown
