FIFA deal with Aramco for 2027 Women's World Cup leads to protests

ZURICH, Switzerland: More than 100 women's soccer players, including former U.S. national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn and Dutch forward Vivianne Miedema, have signed an open letter opposing FIFA's sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco.

The deal, which includes sponsorship for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, has sparked outrage due to Saudi Arabia's poor record on women's and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as concerns over Aramco's role in climate change.

Sauerbrunn and Miedema have publicly voiced their disapproval, calling on FIFA to reconsider its partnership with Aramco. "The safety of women, LGBTQ+ rights, and the health of the planet should take precedence over FIFA's pursuit of profit," Sauerbrunn said through the advocacy group Athletes Of The World. She also highlighted the plight of women imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about human rights.

The letter urges FIFA to replace Aramco with sponsors whose values align with gender equality, human rights, and environmental sustainability. "This sponsorship contradicts FIFA's own commitments to human rights and protecting the planet," Miedema said, emphasizing the players' collective stance.

FIFA's partnership with Aramco, which was announced in April, has intensified scrutiny as Saudi Arabia strengthens ties with global soccer. The kingdom is also expected to be confirmed as the host of the 2034 men's World Cup, being the sole candidate for the tournament.

In response to the criticism, FIFA stated that its partnership with Aramco, along with other commercial deals, helps fund the development of women's soccer globally. FIFA added that it remains committed to inclusivity and reinvests commercial revenue into the growth of the sport.