Over 100 Female Footballers Urge FIFA to Drop Saudi Arabia Aramco Sponsorship Over Human Rights Concerns
More than 100 professional female footballers have sent an open letter to FIFA, calling for an end to the governing body’s sponsorship deal with Saudi oil giant Aramco.
The players, who come from 24 different countries, are urging FIFA to reconsider the partnership with Aramco on environmental and human rights grounds. The deal, announced earlier this year, gives Aramco sponsorship rights to the 2026 Men’s World Cup and the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Vivianne Miedema, striker for Manchester City and one of the letter’s signatories, described the deal as a “punch in the stomach” to the sport.
"As footballers, and especially as women's footballers, we carry the responsibility to show the world and the next generation what is right," she told BBC Sport.
The letter also emphasised that Saudi Arabia's treatment of women and LGBTQ+ people contradicts FIFA's stated commitment to inclusivity.
Critics say Saudi Arabia is “Sportswashing” their reputation
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sports like soccer, Formula One, and golf in recent years, a move that critics argue is part of them attempting to hide its human rights record through "sportswashing". Sportswashing is the term used to describe when an individual, government, corporation or other group uses sporting events to improve their reputation.
The players argue that partnering with Aramco, a company accused of being the world’s largest corporate greenhouse gas emitter, goes against efforts to promote gender equality and environmental sustainability.
Danish international Sofie Junge Pedersen, one of the architects of the letter, said, “We think it’s absurd that we, as female football players, are asked to promote Saudi Aramco on our shirts. The human rights violations and discrimination against women that the Saudi authorities stand for are not our values."
She added that women’s football “deserves better” from FIFA.
Saudi Arabia has been accused of sportswashing before with their hosting of the 2024 Esports World Cup.
FIFA defends Aramco partnership
FIFA has defended the partnership, stressing that the sponsorship revenues are reinvested in the development of the women’s game.
A spokesperson said, “FIFA values its partnership with Aramco and its many other commercial partners. Sponsorship revenues generated by FIFA are reinvested back into the game at all levels."
While Aramco has yet to publicly respond to the letter, the company has previously stated it has "one of the lowest upstream carbon footprints in the industry."
However, the players remain firm in their stance that FIFA should seek sponsors whose values align more closely with human rights and environmental protection.
Player call for review committee and hint at taking further action if partnership continues
Players are also calling for the creation of a review committee with player representation to ensure future sponsorship deals align with the values of the sport. They argue that even if this means less lucrative sponsorships, it would be a better choice for the long-term future of women’s football.
Miedema hinted that if Aramco remains a sponsor for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, players could consider taking further action.
“Women's teams are not scared to stand up for what they believe in,” she said, referencing recent player-led boycotts in international football.
The letter has gained backing from organisations like Athletes of the World, which advocates for social issues through sport.
For now, FIFA’s deal with Aramco continues, but the growing pressure from some of the world’s top female footballers could force the organisation to reconsider its sponsorship strategy.
