SYDNEY – Football Australia (FA) and its stakeholders have reached an “overwhelming consensus” that a reported Saudi Arabia sponsorship deal does not align with their vision for the Women’s World Cup, FA chief executive James Johnson said on Monday.

Both FA and New Zealand Football said in February that they had not been consulted by global football governing body Fifa after reports that Visit Saudi will join international brands such as Adidas, Coca-Cola and Visa as major sponsors.

The 32-team event, which kicks off in July, is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Johnson said FA had consulted on the matter with the government and commercial partners.

“It was an overwhelming consensus that this partnership does not align with our collective vision for the tournament and falls short of our expectations,” he said in a statement.

“Whilst the partnership has not been confirmed by Fifa, based on the consultations we have had with our community, key stakeholders and our own position, we would not be comfortable with it.

“While we await further clarity and information as to the details of the partnership from Fifa, we continue to convey this clear message on behalf of Football Australia, New Zealand Football, and our community.”

Fifa declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell said that a lack of response from Fifa could be due to the body having a “rethink” of the situation.

“It didn’t confirm nor deny the potential Visit Saudi sponsorship that has been reported in the media. We’re left in a little bit of uncertainty as to what’s going on here, to be frank, which is a bit disappointing,” he said.

Initial reports of the sponsorship deal were met with stinging criticism from several quarters, including former players and human rights activists.

Saudi Arabia had long been criticised for its human rights issues and also its attempts at “sportswashing”. The country’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, owns 80 per cent of English Premier League club Newcastle United.

Amnesty International Australia said there was an “irony” in a Saudi tourism body sponsoring the women’s tournament as Saudi women “can’t even have a job without the permission of your male guardian”. REUTERS