Pauw admits 'concerns' over Saudi Arabia sponsorship

Vera Pauw admits she has "concerns" over the possibility that Saudi Arabia will be a major sponsor of the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Three weeks ago reports broke that tourism board Visit Saudi would be one of the tournament's sponsors.

It sparked a major backlash, with several players and coaches voicing their unease at the development due to the country's women's rights record.

USA star Alex Morgan saying: "I think it's bizarre that FIFA has looked to have a Visit Saudi sponsorship for the Women's World Cup when I, myself, Alex Morgan, would not even be supported and accepted in that country. I just don't understand it."

When asked about her thoughts on the sponsorship agreement, Pauw said: "It's not been finalised. It’s a concern of course for us. We have our concerns, it’s up to FIFA to decide, it’s not up to us. Let us say we have our concerns."

Ireland had one last training session at their Marbella training base today before tomorrow's friendly against China at Estadio Nuevo Mirador in Cadiz.

Captain Katie McCabe will wear a rainbow armband, while all the players will wear purple wristbands in solidarity with Canada's stand-off with their own federation.

It's over a week since the Canadians released a statement complaining about the level of funding from Canada Soccer, with captain Christine Sinclair saying the team were going on strike over the matter.

The strike was called off following a meeting with Canada Soccer, but tensions continue to simmer.

The Canadians wore purple shirts displaying the words "enough is enough" ahead of their SheBelieves Cup match against the United States, while England players subsequently sported purple wristbands in their game against Italy in the Arnold Clark Cup.

Irelan