Chelsea Women manager Emma Hayes has criticised the decision to allow Visit Saudi to sponsor the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the summer.
Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the tournament has drawn interest given the country’s human rights record which has been described as “appalling” by Amnesty International.
However, the 46-year-old has revealed her displeasure at the decision, revealing that it is an example of the work that is yet to be done in the women’s game.
She said: “Ridiculous. It shouldn’t happen in any way, shape, or form.
“It just shows how much work we’ve got to do to educate those running football, around associations and why it matters.
“The sense of feeling safe in what we’re doing is absolutely critical.
“Having major double standards just to grow the sport is hypocritical and unwanted at this stage.”
In Saudi Arabia, homosexuality and being transgender are seen as immoral while women also face discrimination in the nation.
By FIFA’s own admission, “women’s football is rather new in Saudi Arabia.”
The Women’s World Cup will be played in Australia and New Zealand, starting in July 2023.
GO DEEPER
Visit Saudi to sponsor FIFA Women’s World Cup this summer
(Photo: Getty Images)
