The decision not to make Saudi Arabia's Visit Saudi a key sponsor of the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has been welcomed by human rights and football organisations after concerns were raised about the country's human rights record and oppression of women and LGBTQ+ people.
While discussions over a possible commercial partnership between FIFA and Visit Saudi had taken place, no contract was ultimately signed.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the talks at the annual congress in Rwanda but said "these discussions didn't lead to a contract.
" Australia and New Zealand, the hosts of the event, had written to FIFA protesting against any such commercial partnership.
FIFA has confirmed that Visit Saudi, Saudi Arabia's government tourism agency, will not be a sponsor for the Women's World Cup.
Reports that FIFA was considering such a partnership were met with criticism by tournament co-hosts Australia and New Zealand, as well as leading players such as Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Vivianne Miedema, who called on FIFA to reject any such deal.
While talks between FIFA and Visit Saudi did take place, no contract was signed.
The decision was welcomed by human rights and football organisations amid concerns about human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, "these discussions didn't lead to a contract", while slamming the media's "double standards".
In reaction to the news, Australia and New Zealand said they were "thrilled" to concentrate on the opportunities and possibilities of the Women's World Cup event, which they describe as "the biggest sporting event on the globe after the summer Olympics and the men's World Cup."