Matildas squad named for Cup of Nations tournament, but Women’s World Cup Saudi sponsorship questions off limits

Football Australia has prevented the Matildas discussing Saudi Arabia’s tourist authority reportedly being among the World Cup sponsors.

The Matildas were gagged from addressing FIFA’s decision to join forces with Saudi Arabia’s tourist authority for this year’s Women’s World Cup, which is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Visit Saudi will reportedly be among the tournament’s sponsors despite the nation’s history of oppression of women’s rights.

Football Australia officials asked that Matildas players or coach Tony Gustavsson not be asked questions about the Visit Saudi sponsorship on Thursday morning at the announcement of Australia’s 25-strong squad for this month’s Cup of Nations tournament in NSW.

Without addressing the issue specifically, Gustavsson later tried to point out his team‘s principles did not align with those of Saudi Arabia, where it is a crime to be homosexual.

“It‘s too early to comment right, but I know what these women stand for and what the team stands for,” he said.

“That‘s from way before my time, I’ve had the privilege to meet the Matildas alumni and everyone knows the core values of this team.

“The federation is seeking more information and the team knows what they stand for.”

There are a number of openly LGBTQI players in Gustavsson‘s squad, including superstar captain Sam Kerr.

🚨 CONFIRMED 🚨

Our squad for the #CupOfNations is locked in! #WeAreMatildas

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) February 1, 2023

Professional Footballers Australia co-chief executive officer Kathryn Gill took aim at FIFA for not speaking to players before making such decisions.

“Players are the public face of FIFA’s major tournaments, however their voice remains excluded from a decision-making process that would clearly benefit from their involvement,” Gill said.

“FIFA is obliged to respect all internationally recognised Human Rights and to exert its considerable leverage when they are not being respected or protected.

“However, they have consistently shown that they lack the willingness to uphold their stated Human Rights commitments.

“The players’ objective is to make the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup a genuine force for good, and they will continue to hold FIFA to account when they undermine this.”

Meanwhile, Chloe Logarzo, who remains on the comeback trail from a ruptured ACL, was a surprise omission from the squad.

The 28-year-old midfielder was part of the Matildas squad for the recent November camp but has been struggling for game time in the women’s A-League competition with Western United, where she is on loan from American club Kansas City.

However, uncapped Western Sydney Wanderers defender Clare Hunt has been rewarded for her women’s A-League form with selection in Australia’s Cup of Nations squad.

The squad also includes returning trio Emily Gielnik, Tameka Yallop and Mackenzie Arnold, who have recovered from injuries.

“The first camp of the year is always an exciting prospect following a lengthy break from the team environment, and in a FIFA Women’s World Cup year, it adds a little more anticipation,” Gustavsson said.

“Our Cup of Nations squad has been selected in line with our principles built in the back half of 2022 as we continue to create consistency and chemistry among the playing group.

“This is particularly important in a tournament that mirrors the group stage play and presents an opportunity to maximise our time together with less than 200 days until the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off.”

The Matildas will play Cup of Nations matches against Czechia (February 16, Gosford), Spain (February 19, Sydney) and Jamaica (February 22, Newcastle)

“We were pleased with the way the team progressed towards the end of 2022 and the matches provided many learnings for us to build on during these games later this month,” Gustavsson said.

“We know there are some areas we need to continue evolving in and that will be the focus of our matches against three opponents that provide real variety of approach.”

Matildas’ Cup of Nations squad: Mackenzie Arnold, Steph Catley, Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Larissa Crummer, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Emily Gielnik, Katrina Gorry, Charlotte Grant, Clare Hunt, Elise Kellond-Knight, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr, Aivi Luik., Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Hayley Raso, Amy Sayer, Emily van Egmond, Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Lydia Williams, Tameka Yallop.

Originally published as Matildas squad named for Cup of Nations tournament, but Women’s World Cup Saudi sponsorship questions off limits