Ex-PL WAGS in Saudi: Turned away from shopping malls for 'exposing shoulders'

Footballers' WAGs in Saudi Arabia have revealed how they have been publicly abused, catcalled and even refused entry into shops and restaurants because of how they are dressed - prompting some to question their future in the country.

The conservative Islamic nation has recently attracted a host of world-class players on astronomical wages led by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar - while at the same time dozens of lesser-known footballers have also been signed by clubs as part of the drive to hastily develop the professional game.

But despite the huge salaries on offer to their husbands and the life of unimaginable luxury for them, things are not all rosy for such well-paid players' wives and girlfriends who can feel isolated and vulnerable.

Now a number of Saudi-based WAGs have opened up to MailOnline about how they are struggling with the Saudi culture - speaking on condition of strict anonymity because they fear the repercussions if such accounts were to be linked to them.

They reveal a disturbing picture of paranoia about going out in public, anxiety about how to dress and feeling even threatened if they relax and become 'too Western'.

Typical was the WAG who told us: 'It's very hard for expat women in Saudi Arabia, especially if the locals feel that you are not dressed properly. On one occasion I was shouted at just because my shoulders and part of my legs were showing.

'We're not allowed to wear shorts in public, despite the heat. You can't even wear them on the beach. And if you do, people look at you as if they hate you. It can be very intimidating.'

Another said: 'I've been turned away from shopping malls just because my upper arms and shoulders were not covered up and you could see part of my chest as I had a