Australian and New Zealand football’s governing bodies have said they are “shocked and disappointed” by reports that Fifa is set to announce that Saudi Arabia’s tourism authority will be an official sponsor at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Both organisations have called on Fifa to “urgently clarify” the situation.

New Zealand Football claimed it had not been consulted, nor had next summer’s World Cup co-hosts Australia, and both have joined human rights groups, including Amnesty International, in criticising the potential deal as Fifa seeks to attract brands to specifically support women’s football...

Saudi Arabia has been criticised for its human rights record and accused of “sportswashing” after investing heavily in global sport, with the investment in Newcastle United and the recently formed LIV Golf tour both financed by the country’s Public Investment Fund.

New Zealand Football said: “If these reports prove correct, we are shocked and disappointed to hear this as [we] haven’t been consulted by Fifa at all on this matter. As Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 co-hosts, New Zealand Football and Football Australia have jointly written to Fifa to urgently clarify the situation.”