02 February 04 News According to the latest report by Matt Hughes, a well-known reporter from the Daily Mail, FIFA will be in this year’s women’s football
Protests and signs such as rainbow armbands are banned from the World Cup, which would once again put itself in conflict with key players involved in the World Cup.
FIFA has angered top female players by striking a sponsorship deal with the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority.
Saudi Arabia has a history of repressing women’s rights, and homosexuality is illegal in the country.
The commercial deal with Saudi Arabia could overshadow Australia and New Zealand’s World Cup, repeating the controversy surrounding last year’s Qatar World Cup.
This unpleasant feeling is magnified by the disproportionately high proportion of gay players at the Women’s World Cup.
Chelsea’s Australian striker Sam Kerr, the poster player for the World Cup, is gay, as are many members of Sarina Wiegman’s England squad.
England players, unhappy with the Saudi deal, will meet with the FA next week to discuss how to respond.
As co-hosts, the Australia and New Zealand football federations have voiced their opposition and asked FIFA to clarify the agreement.
The FA has yet to comment.