England duo Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh have become the latest players to back USWNT star Alex Morgan in her criticism over the potential Saudi sponsorship of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The Athletic reported in January that Visit Saudi, the Gulf nation’s tourist board, was set to be unveiled as a sponsor for this summer’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
The potential partnership has caused unrest within women’s football due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
Amnesty International has described Saudi Arabia’s human rights record as “appalling” while homosexuality and gay marriage is illegal in the country. Women were not allowed to watch football matches until 2018.
Barcelona duo Bronze and Walsh have now joined the likes of Morgan and Chelsea Women manager Emma Hayes in voicing their concerns.
“I think the responsibility on players in women’s football is that we have the stage to speak out, that we have strong opinions, that we know that we are capable of making changes,” said Bronze.
“I can’t speak for everyone but all the other players that I’ve spoken to largely agree with Alex Morgan’s comments, and I do equally.
“You know, if you want to push women’s sport on, we want it to be supported by people who share their philosophies and…
