Tommy Martin: We are all weary as world is carved up by its worst people

World Cup in Saudi just another indicator that a great big stitch-up is going on.

A digital rendering of the proposed King Salman Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With a proposed capacity of 92,000 people, the stadium - designed by Populous - is one of the proposed 2034 FIFA World Cup stadiums that may host the opening ceremony as well as the final. (Photo by Populous via Getty Images)

It wasn’t hard to recognise the weary tone in Lily Agg’s response when asked whether there had been any feedback to a letter sent to FIFA last month signed by more than a hundred top female footballers protesting against the sponsorship of the 2027 Women’s World Cup by the Saudi state oil company Aramco.

“I know nothing,” said Republic of Ireland midfielder Agg, on media duties this week ahead of the Euro 2025 playoff against Wales. “There’s been nothing. It would (be disappointing), but do we expect one? I don’t think we went into it with potentially high expectations.”