Ashleigh Plumptre Reflects on Controversial Move to Saudi Arabia
In a move that’s stirred up a lot of debate, Ashleigh Plumptre became the first player to jump from the Women’s Super League (WSL) to the Saudi Women’s Premier League (SWPL). After her contract with Leicester City ended in 2023, she joined Al Ittihad, and people have had plenty to say about it.
Some folks have criticized her, pointing to Saudi Arabia’s controversial human rights record. Still, Plumptre insists her experience in the country has been overwhelmingly positive so far.
The Controversial Move
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Ashleigh Plumptre’s transfer to Al Ittihad has definitely caused a stir. As the first player to make the switch from the WSL to the SWPL, she’s faced a fair amount of backlash from different groups.
Women’s safety organizations have called out Saudi Arabia’s involvement in football, citing the country’s poor record on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. Last year, more than 100 professional women’s players signed a letter urging FIFA to cut ties with Saudi oil giant Aramco, arguing that the country’s policies hurt the women’s game.
Public Reaction
When Plumptre announced her move, the reaction came fast and was mostly negative. She remembers getting a lot of comments from people in Leicester who felt let down by her decision.
“It was like I was not the person they thought I was,” she said. “I had deeply hurt them because they feel like I am representing something which makes them not feel valued, and I understand that.”
Personal Safety and Perception
Despite the backlash, Plumptre has found some peace in her new surroundings. She describes life in Saudi Arabia as “like a peace bubble,” saying she actually feels safer there than she did in the UK.
“Naturally, everyone is a bit fearful walking around at night, but I don’t have to check my shoulder all the time,” she explained. “I know this is just the perspective of myself, not of everybody who lives here, but with the safety I feel I can’t agree with some of the views the Western world have of this place. I don’t feel threatened at all here.”
The Bigger Picture
Plumptre’s move fits into Saudi Arabia’s larger push to boost its profile in international sports. The country has already brought in some big-name male footballers, like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Neymar, to its men’s league.
The SWPL, though, hasn’t seen the same wave of top women’s players just yet. There are some internationals and two-time Champions League winner Asisat Oshoala, who used to play for Barcelona, but it’s unclear if more big names will follow.
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Ambitions
The decision to let Saudi Arabia host the 2034 World Cup has drawn plenty of criticism. Amnesty International raised concerns about the country’s human rights record, especially its treatment of women.
“The state’s personal status law fails to respect women’s agency and perpetuates discrimination against women,” said Heba Morayef, Amnesty’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa.
Conclusion
Ashleigh Plumptre’s move to Al Ittihad has definitely stirred up conversation. People are talking about the overlap between sports, politics, and human rights.
She says her experience in Saudi Arabia has been mostly positive. Still, the country’s got a long road ahead when it comes to women’s and LGBTQ+ rights.
For more details on Ashleigh Plumptre’s move and its implications, you can read the full article on the New York Times.