United States world cup-winning captain Alex Morgan has criticized the world football governing body, FIFA, for their potential sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabia.
Morgan, who guided the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) to the 2019 world cup glory, described the move as bizarre on Thursday, February 9, 2023.
“I think it is bizarre that FIFA has looked to have a visit Saudi sponsorship for the women's world cup when I myself Alex Morgan wouldn't even be supporting and accepting it in that country or understand it,” she stated.
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Earlier this month, the 2023 women’s world cup co-hosts Australia and New Zealand requested FIFA to clarify the reports.
"Football Australia understands FIFA has entered into a destination partnership agreement with respect to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.
"Football Australia and New Zealand Football have jointly written to FIFA to urgently clarify the situation," the statement read then.
The two federations also told FIFA that they were disappointed since they were not consulted.
Morgan added that the potential deal does not make any sense since most people have spoken out against it.
The former Lyon star further advised Saudi Arabia to invest in women’s football.
“I think what Saudi Arabia can do is put effort into their women's team that was just formed only a couple of years ago and it doesn't even have a current rating within the FIFA ranking system because of the such few games that they have played.
“That would be my advice to them and I really hope that FIFA does the right thing,” ended the 33-year-old.
The eagerly awaited global showpiece is scheduled to be played between Thursday, July 20 and Sunday, August 20.
South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria and Zambia would represent the African continent in the tournament.
Kenya did not take part in the final stages of the qualifiers due to a ban that was imposed on February 2022 as a result of government interference.
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