“Saudi Arabia, a country where women don’t have any rights and aren’t even allowed to play football until 2018. You’re not allowed to be who you are. You’re not accepted as a gay man. If it’s not like that. A serious thing, it makes you laugh. It’s hypocritical,” writes Miedema, 26. .
The upcoming sponsorship deal was announced at the end of January, but has not yet been officially announced by FIFA. The immediate collaboration is controversial because women are oppressed in Saudi Arabia. In addition, homosexuality is not accepted and there are even (heavier) fines.
Meedema is not the first top player to speak out against a sponsorship deal with a Saudi travel company. American superstar Alex Morgan, a two-time world champion with the United States, said it was “strange” that FIFA was considering including Saudi Arabia in the World Cup.
FIFA should be very ashamed
Miedema also finds the thinking of the World Football Association incomprehensible. “FIFA is always busy promoting that everyone is welcome. And then they think this sponsorship deal is a good idea? The worst thing is, I’m not even surprised. FIFA has often shown them going their own way, they should be very ashamed.”
Miedema, who spoke out against the accidental World Cup boycott in his column, will not take action this summer. The Arsenal striker suffered a serious knee injury at the end of last year and has had to recover for several months.
The global finals will be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20. The Orange women are in a group with the United States, Portugal and Vietnam.
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