Amnesty International has denounced the reported move by Fifa to have Saudi Arabia’s national tourism board as a sponsor of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup because of what it calls the Gulf state’s “appalling” oppression of women...

Human rights group Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand says that decision is “deeply disappointing” because of Saudi Arabia’s “egregious” human rights record.

Margaret Taylor, the group’s community manager in New Zealand, said it was particularly concerning because of the state’s reported denial of basic rights for women and girls...

“We know it fits a deeper pattern of sportswashing that's all done to distract the world from Saudi Arabia's appalling human rights record,” Taylor said.

Taylor called on Fifa, the Government, players, coaches and football fans to speak out against Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses and push for reform.

“The Government here must speak out. Human rights violations from Saudi Arabia are so egregious. We look forward to them doing so loudly and clearly,” Taylor said.

Sport Minister Grant Robertson said he was not in a position to comment because no official announcement had been made...

Fifa were contacted for comment.