Fifa preparing to dump controversial Saudi deal

Fifa preparing to dump controversial Saudi deal
US-based Megan Rapinoe spoke out against the deal. (Image: Getty)
Trevor McKewen
Fifa is set to kick into touch a controversial agreement for Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Board to sponsor this year’s women’s World Cup, following a backlash from hosts New Zealand and Australia.The Sydney Morning Herald is today reporting that the world governing body has been rocked by the negative response to the sponsorship and is looking to scrap it before making public comment at a congress for Fifa later this month.In a rare victory for the opponents of “sports-washing”, the SMH said the ‘Visit Saudi’...

More Tourism

International visitor numbers stuck at 85% of pre-covid levels
News in Brief

International visitor numbers stuck at 85% of pre-covid levels

Overseas visitor arrivals were 240,200 in October, an increase of 14,200 from October last year but 15% down on pre-pandemic levels.Stats New Zealand figures show the annual arrival total to October was just over 3.2 million, down around 17% on the bumper 2019 year and just ahead...

Staff reporters 13 Dec 2024
Wellington's blue sky boondoggle
Infrastructure

Pattrick Smellie: Wellington's blue sky boondoggle

Is the capital's airport serious, or is Infratil just trying to pump value?

Pattrick Smellie 22 Nov 2024
Turin is a chocolate lover’s Italian dream
Tourism

Turin is a chocolate lover’s Italian dream

City’s gourmet specialties include an upscale version of Nutella.

Short-changing water investment affects 90,000 NZers
Policy Turning the Tap

Short-changing water investment affects 90,000 NZers

Boil notices for drinking water persist for years in some parts of the country.

Zack Newman 22 Oct 2024