Australian Indigenous players hit out at 'empty symbolism' at World Cup

SYDNEY : Current and former international soccer players from Australia's Indigenous community have criticised the lack of legacy funding targeting First Nations football as the country hosts the Women's World Cup.

Australia is co-hosting the tournament with New Zealand, but the signatories said on Tuesday that they saw little evidence of funding to increase Indigenous participation in the A$291 million ($196.98 million) 'Legacy '23' plan to grow the game in the country. The letter, addressed to Football Australia and FIFA, said the "ubiquitous Indigenous culture, symbolism, traditional ceremonies and installations" used at the tournament indicated the "central value" of Indigenous culture to football.

"(But) not a single dollar from the legacy program has been committed to organisations that are Indigenous-led, managed and have long carried the burden for First Nations in the Australian game," it continued.

"Without support for the Indigenous community and their programs, we consider this symbolism empty."

In response, Football Australia pointed to a string of programmes targeting the Indigenous community, including the A$10 million New South Wales legacy programme that had a specific First Nations element.

"The claim that there has been a lack of funding for grassroots indigenous football programs within the 'Legacy '23' initiative is not accurate," it said."We want to make it clear that the support and advancement of Indigenous football programs are integral parts of our commitment."

FIFA said they were committed to "meaningful and authentic engagement with First Nations and Maori communities" and their women’s football officer Sarai Baremen, New Zealand-born and of Samoan/Dutch heritage, highlighted a series of