More than 100 female football players, including high-profile internationals, have signed an open letter urging Fifa to terminate its sponsorship deal with Aramco, citing humanitarian and environmental concerns. The players demand a change to sponsors that align with the sport's values and the principles of gender equality.
Women Footballers Call on Fifa to Terminate Controversial Sponsorship with Saudi Arabia's Aramco
Women Footballers Call on Fifa to Terminate Controversial Sponsorship with Saudi Arabia's Aramco
Over 100 footballers unite in an open letter criticizing Fifa’s partnership with Saudi oil company Aramco, advocating for values aligned with gender equality and human rights.
More than 100 professional women's footballers have signed an emphatic open letter directed at Fifa, demanding the termination of its partnership with Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil company, Aramco. The signees, representing 24 countries, characterize the sponsorship as a significant betrayal to the principles of the sport, describing it as a "punch in the stomach."
Earlier this year, Fifa unveiled a sponsorship agreement with Aramco that extends through 2027, granting the oil giant commercial rights to the men's World Cup in 2026 and the Women's World Cup in 2027. The collective of athletes has urged the football governing body to reevaluate the deal, asserting that it contradicts values of humanitarianism and environmental stewardship.
Prominent among the signatories is Vivianne Miedema, striker for Manchester City and a vocal advocate for women's rights in sports. Miedema stressed the importance of players taking responsibility to represent their beliefs and ideals. She said, “If Fifa claims to support inclusivity, then they must align with sponsorships that truly exemplify these values.”
Fifa has responded to the players' concerns by emphasizing its appreciation for the partnership with Aramco, asserting that the generated sponsorship revenue is reinvested into women's football at all levels. However, the sponsorship has drawn criticism due to Saudi Arabia's track record on human rights, particularly concerning women's rights and LGBTQ+ issues. Critics argue that this is an example of 'sportswashing,' where the kingdom is accused of using sports to enhance its international image.
The letter, coordinated by Danish international Sofie Junge Pedersen, underlines the urgency for more ethically aligned sponsors, suggesting that even less lucrative deals would be preferable to partnering with Aramco. She stated, “Women’s football deserves better. We encourage Fifa to consider sponsors who support gender equality and human rights.”
The players boast a wealth of experience, with combined international caps exceeding 2,300, showcasing their commitment to effecting change. They have received backing from advocacy groups like Athletes of the World that focus on climate change and poverty issues.
In conclusion, if Fifa does not reconsider its stance on Aramco’s sponsorship leading into the 2027 Women’s World Cup, there is potential for intensified resistance from the player community, as demonstrated in recent instances of boycotts and outspoken advocacy from national teams across the globe.
