Women's World Cup co-hosts Australia and New Zealand urged FIFA on Wednesday not to sign a sponsor deal with the tourism authority of Saudi Arabia where 'rights of women remain severely restricted.'
this Tuesday, Jan. 10. 2017 file photo, the FIFA logo is pictured at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland. Women's World Cup co-hosts Australia and New Zealand urged FIFA on Wednesday not to sign a sponsor deal with the tourism authority of Saudi Arabia where "rights of women remain severely restricted."
Such a confrontation between a World Cup host and FIFA is unprecedented in recent history, and is likely to shine more attention on so-called "sportswashing" investments by Saudi Arabia. "Australia and New Zealand, both as sovereign nations and as football associations, have for decades placed the utmost importance on gender equality, and have sought to promote these ideals around the world," the letter said, reminding FIFA their governments have invested hundreds of millions in the soccer event.
Tony Gustavsson, head coach of Australia's women's national team, didn't directly comment on the issue of the sponsorship Thursday while unveiling a squad for the Feb. 16-22 Cup of Nations tournament, but said "I know what these women stand for and what the team stands for." FIFA did not formally announce that deal which became apparent through pitchside advertisements when the games started in November.
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