FIFA has dropped discussions with Visit Saudi, a controversial commercial partner, regarding sponsoring the Women’s World Cup. The decision was confirmed by FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, who said that although discussions were held, they did not lead to a contract.
The potential partnership had been criticized by several leading players, who called on FIFA to reject the deal due to human rights concerns.
The tournament co-hosts, Australia and New Zealand also stated that they would not be comfortable with the partnership.
In his closing remarks at the congress, Infantino also announced that the prize money for this summer’s Women’s World Cup would be $150m, 10 times what it was in 2015 and three times the amount of 2019.
However, the figure is still significantly lower than the $440m total prize money awarded at the men’s World Cup in Qatar last year.
Additionally, Infantino announced a three-step plan, which includes payments to develop the sport, equal pay conditions for men and women and a dedicated marketing strategy for the women’s game.
“Our mission will be able to have equality in payments for 2026 men’s and 2027 women’s World Cups,” Infantino said.
“Through the voice and solidarity of players around the world over months and years of campaigning, significant progress has been made in the conditions, prize money, and prize money redistribution for the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup,” he said.
The news comes after Infantino was re-elected for a second term.
