What's happened
Over 100 professional female footballers have signed a letter urging FIFA to terminate its sponsorship deal with Saudi Aramco, citing the company's ties to human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia. The players demand that FIFA align its sponsorships with values of gender equality and human rights, particularly ahead of the upcoming Women's World Cup in 2027.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, over 100 female footballers have expressed their concerns about FIFA's partnership with Aramco, stating that it contradicts the organization's commitments to human rights. The Independent highlights that players like Becky Sauerbrunn and Vivianne Miedema have voiced their worries about the implications of such sponsorships on women's rights and the environment. The players argue that FIFA should prioritize ethical sponsorships that align with gender equality and human rights, as noted in their letter published by Athletes of the World.
How we got here
FIFA's sponsorship deal with Saudi Aramco, announced in April 2023, has faced backlash due to Saudi Arabia's poor human rights record, particularly regarding women's rights and LGBTQ+ issues. The deal includes sponsorship for major tournaments, including the 2026 Men's World Cup and the 2027 Women's World Cup.
More on these topics
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Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula.
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FIFA is a non-profit organization which describes itself as an international governing body of association football, fĂștsal, beach soccer, and efootball. It is the highest governing body of football.
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Rebecca Elizabeth Sauerbrunn is an American professional soccer player for Portland Thorns FC of the National Women's Soccer League, the highest division of women's professional soccer in the United States.