Women Footballers Urge FIFA to End Saudi Oil Deal

Over 100 professional women's footballers have signed an open letter calling on FIFA to terminate its sponsorship deal with Saudi oil giant Aramco, labeling it a "punch in the stomach" for the sport. Earlier this year, FIFA announced a partnership with the state-owned company that will extend until 2027, granting Aramco sponsorship rights for both the 2026 Men's World Cup and the 2027 Women's World Cup.

The players, representing 24 different countries, argue that the deal should be reconsidered based on humanitarian and environmental grounds. Among the signatories is Vivianne Miedema, a striker for Manchester City and the Netherlands national team. In a statement to BBC Sport, Miedema emphasized the responsibility that footballers, especially women, have to set an example. "This sponsorship is not right for what FIFA stands for, but also what we as women footballers stand for," she said. "If FIFA truly wants to promote inclusivity and lead by example, they should align with sponsors that share those values."

The Controversy Surrounding the Saudi Deal

The partnership with Saudi Arabia has raised eyebrows, as the kingdom is frequently accused of utilizing high-profile sporting events to improve its global image, a tactic often referred to as 'sportswashing.' Critics point to the country's human rights record, including violations related to women's rights and the criminalization of homosexuality. Additionally, an independent think tank, Carbon Tracker, has labeled Aramco as "the world's largest corporate greenhouse gas emitter," further complicating the narrative surrounding the sponsorship.

Aramco has existing sponsorship agreements with various sports, including Formula One and golf's Ladies European Tour, and is also a partner of the International Cricket Council. While the company did not comment directly on the players' letter, it has previously claimed to have "one of the lowest upstream carbon footprints in the industry."

The players uniting against the sponsorship collectively boast over 2,300 international caps, including notable figures like England's Niamh Charles and the captains of Canada and Italy's national teams. Their campaign has garnered support from the organization Athletes of the World, which advocates for climate action and social justice issues.

Players Demand Change

Danish international Sofie Junge Pedersen was instrumental in drafting the letter, stating that the sponsorship deal is "worse than an own goal" and asserting that women's football "deserves better" from its governing body. Pedersen urged FIFA to replace Aramco with sponsors whose values align with gender equality, human rights, and environmental sustainability. She suggested the formation of a committee with player representation to help select future sponsors.

Both Pedersen and Miedema believe that different sponsors should be sought, even if it means the deals could be less financially beneficial for women's football. Miedema warned that if Aramco remains a sponsor for the 2027 Women's World Cup, players may take further action. "Women's teams are not scared to stand up for what they believe in," she said, referencing recent boycotts by teams like the U.S. and Canadian national squads. "There will definitely be things happening around the World Cup."

FIFA's Response

In response to the players' calls for an advisory committee, FIFA stated in May that it had agreed to establish committees for women's football at various levels, including a women's players' committee, which is still in development. Regarding its partnership with Aramco, FIFA reiterated the value of the collaboration and emphasized that sponsorship revenues are reinvested in the women's game at all levels.

FIFA expressed its commitment to inclusivity and noted that it works with multiple commercial partners who also support other organizations in football and beyond. It added, "Sponsorship revenues generated by FIFA are reinvested back into the game at all levels," highlighting ongoing investments in women's football, including initiatives for the historic 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and the updated Women’s Football Strategy for 2023-2027.

The open letter from over 100 women footballers signifies a growing movement advocating for ethical sponsorship in sports, particularly concerning humanitarian and environmental issues. As FIFA navigates the complexities of its partnerships, the voices of these athletes serve as a reminder of the responsibility sports organizations have to align with values that promote equality and sustainability. Whether FIFA will heed their call and reconsider its relationship with Aramco remains to be seen, but the pressure from players and fans alike is mounting.