FIFA deal with Saudi oil giant Aramco is 'much worse than an own goal' say women footballers

Over 100 top women's soccer stars, including former US team captain Becky Sauerbrunn and Dutch ace Vivianne Miedema, have penned an open letter slamming FIFA for their sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabian oil giants Aramco.

The players described the partnership, which is part of the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, as "much worse than an own goal," calling out Saudi Arabia’s controversial record on female and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as Aramco’s contribution to the climate crisis. Sauerbrunn voiced concerns about the well-being of women currently incarcerated in Saudi Arabia. "The safety of those women, the rights of women, LGBTQ+ rights and the health of the planet need to take a much bigger priority over FIFA making more money," Sauerbrunn said in comments via campaign group Athletes Of The World.

The letter openly challenges FIFA to secure replacement sponsors which are in harmony with values of gender equality, human rights, and environmental sustainability; it also urges that players be consulted on ethical aspects of future sponsorships. "This letter shows that as players this is what we don’t want to stand for and accept within women’s football. It’s simple: this sponsorship is contradicting FIFA’s own commitments to human rights and the planet," declared Miedema.

In a partnership that saw FIFA and Saudi Arabia draw closer, a deal with Aramco was sealed in April. Come December, FIFA is set to confirm Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 men's World Cup, with no rival bids on the horizon.

In a statement sent via email on Monday, FIFA expressed its appreciation for its partners: "FIFA values its partnership with Aramco and its many others commercial and rights partners. FIFA is an inclusive organisation with many commercial partners also supporting other organizations in football and other sports," adding that such commercial proceeds are funneled back into the growth of women's soccer.