A group of over 100 professional women’s footballers on Monday sent an open letter to FIFA urging the world governing body to end its partnership with oil and gas conglomerate Saudi Aramco.
In April, FIFA signed a four-year deal which will see Aramco become a worldwide partner, including in major tournaments such as the 2026 World Cup and the Women’s World Cup the following year.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sports like football, Formula One and golf in the last few years while critics, including women’s rights groups and members of the LGBTQ community, accuse the kingdom of using its Public Investment Fund (PIF) to “sportswash” its human rights record.
The country denies accusations of human rights abuses and, arguing it protects its national security through its laws.
Manchester City striker Vivianne Miedema, Canada captain Jessie Fleming and ex-United States captain Becky Sauerbrunn were among the players to sign the letter.
“We urge FIFA to reconsider this partnership and replace Saudi Aramco with alternative sponsors whose values align with gender equality, human rights and the safe future of our planet,” the players said in the…
