01 February 2023 , 15:51
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The hosts of the 2023 Women's World Cup have written to FIFA after it emerged Visit Saudi would be a sponsor for the tournament.
Football Australia is 'very disappointed' that FIFA did not discuss the sponsorship deal with the Gulf nation's tourist board with them, considering women's rights still are subject to the discretionary attitudes of men.
The FIFA website itself says: "Women’s football remains a work in progress in some regions of the Persian Gulf."
The Australian and New Zealand football associations are seeking clarification, according to The Athletic, and looking to discuss the matter between everybody involved.
The country was formerly home to some of the most strict gender-based laws in the world, and despite big strides being taken to change this and give women more rights, it was only five years ago in 2018 women were even allowed to watch football - let alone play.
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Last year was the very first time the women's international team played, with former Germany international Monika Staab appointed as coach the year before. The first women’s league was introduced in early 2020.
Similar issues arose during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community are heavily restricted, while the recent protests in Iran make it obvious there are still huge issues still facing women in the Arab world.
A Football Australia spokesperson told The Athletic: "Football Australia understands FIFA has entered into a destination partnership agreement in respect to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.
"We are very disappointed that Football Australia were not consulted on this matter prior to any decision being made. Football Australia and New Zealand Football have jointly written to FIFA to urgently clarify the situation."
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