In a powerful show of collective action that highlights growing tensions between players and football’s governing body, more than 100 professional women’s footballers have launched a scathing criticism of FIFA’s partnership with Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco, claiming the deal undermines both women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
The unprecedented protest, involving 106 players from 24 countries, has materialized in an open letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, directly challenging the organization’s decision to partner with Saudi Aramco for both the 2026 men’s World Cup and 2027 women’s World Cup.
Leading the charge are some of women’s football’s most prominent figures, including USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn, Canadian skipper Jessie Fleming, and Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema. Their involvement lends significant weight to the protest, representing a cross-section of global women’s football leadership.
The players’ letter addresses multiple critical issues:
– Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, particularly regarding women
– The kingdom’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights
– Environmental concerns related to fossil fuel production
– The perceived contradiction between FIFA’s stated values and its choice of partner
A particularly pointed criticism centers on the potential requirement for LGBTQ+ players to promote Saudi Aramco during the 2027 Women’s World Cup, despite Saudi Arabia’s criminalization of same-sex relationships. The letter highlights this as a fundamental contradiction that puts players in an impossible position.
The environmental implications of partnering with one of the world’s largest oil producers have not escaped the players’ attention. Their protest emphasizes the disconnect between football’s supposed commitment to sustainability and its alliance with a major fossil fuel producer.
The partnership, announced in April, positions Saudi Aramco as a major worldwide partner for FIFA’s flagship tournaments. The deal represents a significant financial commitment but has raised questions about FIFA’s commitment to its stated values and objectives.
The protest poses potential commercial challenges for FIFA, as it balances lucrative partnerships against growing pressure for ethical sponsorship. The organization faces increasing scrutiny over its commercial relationships and their alignment with social responsibility.
This protest follows a pattern of increasing activism in women’s football, where players have consistently advocated for equality, human rights, and environmental responsibility. The Saudi Aramco partnership has become a flashpoint for these broader concerns.
The letter concludes with a clear call to action, urging FIFA to:
– Terminate the partnership with Saudi Aramco
– Seek alternative sponsors aligned with gender equality
– Prioritize human rights in partnership decisions
– Consider environmental impact in sponsorship choices
This protest represents more than just opposition to a single sponsorship deal. It highlights growing tensions between commercial interests and ethical considerations in modern sport, particularly in women’s football.
The protest’s timing, ahead of both World Cup tournaments, puts significant pressure on FIFA to respond. The organization faces a critical decision that could influence its relationship with players and its approach to future partnerships.
The unified stance of these prominent players presents FIFA with a significant challenge, potentially forcing a broader discussion about the role of controversial sponsorships in international football. As women’s football continues to grow in prominence and influence, the voices of its leading players carry increasing weight in shaping the sport’s future direction.
This development marks a crucial moment in the ongoing evolution of football governance, player activism, and the sport’s responsibility to address broader social and environmental issues.
