120 players denounce the partnership of Fifa and the Saudi oil company Aramco – Libération

“FIFA is choosing money over the safety of women and the safety of the planet,” accuses Jessie Fleming. The captain of the Canadian women’s football team is one of the signatories of a recent open letter addressed to Gianni Infanto, President of FIFA. Alongside 119 other professional players from 24 countries, she is demanding that the international federation end its contract with Aramco, the Saudi public oil company, which has become a major financial partner of Fifa until the end of 2027, a period encompassing two editions of Football World Cup (in 2026 for men and in 2027 for women). With juicy profits at stake: the contract would bring in nearly 90 million euros per year to FIFA, according to Times.

The agreement, signed just after Riyadh received free rein from Gianni Infantino to organize the 2034 men’s World Cup, appears disastrous for many signatories, particularly in view of the climate situation. «FIFA might as well douse the pitch with oil and set it on fire»we can read in particular in the missive.

Fifa “appreciates” its partnership with Aramco

Saudi Arabia owns 98.5% of the oil company’s shares. So for female footballers, if Aramco invests massively in their sport, it is also for “attempting to distract from the regime’s brutal human rights reputation.” They also do not forget the numerous abuses committed by the Saudi Emirate against women. They list part of it at the end of their letter.

In the eyes of the players, this partnership is “a middle finger to the women’s football». It seems completely incoherent to them that a country which “systematically oppresses women” sponsor their “beautiful sport.” In conclusion of their letter, the 120 players urge “FIFA to reconsider this partnership” and replace Aramco with a sponsor who respects “gender equality, human rights and contribute to a sustainable future for our planet”. Not sure, however, that the appeal will be heard by the body: the spokesperson for the federation declared that Fifa «valued its partnership with Aramco as with its many other business partners and rights holders.