USWNT star Alex Morgan questions FIFA’s possible Saudi Arabia sponsorship deal: ‘It just doesn’t make sense’
USWNT star Alex Morgan is urging FIFA to consider having the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority sponsor the Women’s World Cup in July. On Wednesday, Morgan called the decision “weird” and added that don’t even support or accept V [Saudi Arabia],” according to The Guardian.
Morgan is not the only one who criticizes possible sponsorship. The Australian and New Zealand Football Federations questioned the move. American football joined this choir On Wednesday, stating that it supports “human rights and equality for all,” reports The Athletic.
Saudi Arabia has a history of documented and alleged human rights abuses, including the bombing of Yemen and mass executions of prisoners. Women’s rights are severely restricted in the country, and homosexuality is illegal.
“Pretty much everyone was against it because morally it just doesn’t make sense,” Morgan added.
Morgan also offered another way for the country to expand its presence in the game.
“I think Saudi Arabia can make an effort with their women’s team, which was formed just a couple of years ago and doesn’t even have a current ranking in the FIFA ranking system because of the few games they’ve played. . So this is my advice to them. And I really hope FIFA does the right thing.”
The possible participation of Saudi Arabia in the Women’s World Cup can be interpreted as another example of the country’s involvement in sports laundering. The practice includes the use of sport as a way to distract or cover up a country’s legal, ethical or moral failings. Saudi Arabia faced similar criticism when it created the LIV, a rival golf league to the PGA.
The country has invested in many sports in recent years, including Formula One, horse racing and the English Premier League.
FIFA has not commented on a possible sponsorship with the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
